State governments are also tasked with identifying similar facilities within their jurisdictions to ensure a comprehensive response...
Digital Desk: The Union Health Ministry has issued directives for heightened vigilance at airports and land ports on the Bangladesh and Pakistan borders to monitor international passengers for symptoms of Mpox, PTI reported. This measure aims to preempt the potential spread of the disease following its classification by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its significant impact in Africa.
In response, three hospitals in New Delhi—Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College—have been designated as primary centers for the isolation, management, and treatment of Mpox patients. State governments are also tasked with identifying similar facilities within their jurisdictions to ensure a comprehensive response across the country.
On Sunday, P.K. Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, convened a high-level meeting to evaluate India's preparedness for Mpox. Although officials reported no current cases within India, the meeting underscored the importance of preparedness. The risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission remains low based on the latest assessment.
The WHO has reported a global surge in Mpox cases, with 99,176 cases and 208 deaths recorded across 116 countries since 2022. The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced a steady increase in cases, highlighting the virus's ongoing threat. The current strain of Mpox is noted to be more virulent and infectious, but officials believe the risk of a widespread outbreak in India is minimal at present.
To bolster preparedness, the Health Ministry has instructed officials to enhance surveillance and implement robust measures for the early detection of Mpox. This includes preparing 32 testing laboratories across India to ensure timely diagnosis. Additionally, Mishra emphasized the need for widespread dissemination of prevention and treatment protocols and urged an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about Mpox symptoms and reporting requirements.
Since 2022, India has reported 30 Mpox cases, with the latest case identified in March 2024. The number of reported cases worldwide has already surpassed last year’s total, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year alone.
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