In the wake of reports of monkeypox symptoms in a person in delhi, the Union health Ministry has issued an advisory to states and Union Territories urging them to step up surveillance and testing. The Union health Ministry has issued an advisory to states and Union Territories after a person in delhi was reported to have symptoms of the Mpox virus, also known as monkey measles. The central government said yesterday that a patient who had recently returned from abroad had been quarantined in the hospital with Mpox symptoms. It was also reported that the person's condition is now stable. The central government had said that tests are currently underway to confirm whether the patient is infected with Mpox.
Union health Secretary apoorva Chandra on monday issued a formal advisory to all states and Union Territories regarding Mpox. He has also urged to increase monitoring and testing activities regarding the virus. This comes as the World health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox virus a public health emergency. Although none of the samples tested at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in pune have so far tested positive for Mpox, the central government has put in place strategies to prevent and manage the virus in India. It has designed a surveillance strategy aimed at early detection of Mpox cases, providing guidelines for laboratory testing, clinical management protocols, and infection control measures. Senior officials in each state and district are expected to regularly review public health preparedness in health facilities. Isolation wards for both suspected and confirmed cases with adequately trained staff. The central government has instructed that hospitals should be maintained.The central government has said that public awareness should be increased regarding Mpox transmission, prevention, and timely reporting. "While all states are requested to take appropriate measures to sensitize communities about the disease, mode of transmission, timely reporting, and the need for preventive measures, it is necessary to prevent unnecessary panic among people," the central government has advised.
Mpox virus has been a long-standing public health problem in parts of Africa but has rapidly re-emerged worldwide in 2022. Mpox cases have been reported in a total of 121 countries, according to the World health Organization. Mpox is spread through close contact with an infected tick, and symptoms of the disease often include fever and a rash. Although most cases of the virus are mild, the disease has caused 223 deaths worldwide, according to the World health Organization. To ensure preparedness, India's disease surveillance system will continue to monitor the virus and ensure a rapid response. The Ministry has placed strong emphasis on early detection, rapid containment, and prevention of possible spread within the country. The central government is taking various precautionary measures, including isolation facilities, trained health workers, and strict contact tracing.
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