As global cases of Mpox continue to rise, the Centre has issued a directive to authorities stationed at airports, ports, and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain vigilant for international passengers displaying symptoms of monkeypox (mpox). The disease, which has been spreading globally, necessitates heightened awareness at points of entry into the country, according to official sources.
In Delhi, three state-run hospitals have been designated as primary facilities for the quarantine, management, and treatment of mpox patients. These hospitals are Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital.
Centre asks all states to prepare hospitals to handle potential mpox cases
The Centre has urged all states to prepare hospitals to handle potential mpox cases, ensuring that these facilities are designated as nodal centers and that this information is communicated to the public.
A high-level meeting, chaired by PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held on Sunday to review India’s preparedness for mpox, especially in light of enhanced surveillance efforts aimed at the prompt detection of the disease.
As of now, no cases of mpox have been reported in India. Officials have assessed that the risk of a large-scale outbreak with sustained transmission within the country remains low.
Current strain of virus is more virulent
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified mpox as a public health emergency of international concern due to its widespread prevalence, particularly in many parts of Africa. According to reports, the current strain of the virus is more virulent and infectious than previous strains, though the likelihood of a significant outbreak in India is considered low based on current assessments.
Labs to be prepared for early diagnosis of mpox
In response to the situation, the Health Ministry has directed officials to ensure that the network of testing laboratories across the country is prepared for the early diagnosis of mpox. Currently, 32 laboratories are equipped for this purpose.
Since 2022, WHO reports indicate that 99,176 cases and 208 deaths related to mpox have been documented across 116 countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a steady increase in cases, and globally, the number of cases has continued to rise. This year alone, over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been reported, surpassing the totals from the previous year.
30 cases of mpox in India since 2022
In India, at least 30 cases of mpox have been reported since 2022, with the most recent case detected in March of this year. Despite these numbers, the overall risk of a significant outbreak in the country remains low, according to health officials.
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