India strengthens Mpox preparedness with enhanced surveillance | Fusion - WeRIndia

In response to the global spread of Mpox (monkeypox), the Union Health Ministry has ramped up its preparedness by designating three central hospitals in Delhi as nodal centres.

These centres include Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College.

These nodal centres are designated for the isolation,  management, and treatment of Mpox patients. This proactive step aims to ensure that any potential cases are swiftly identified and managed.

Authorities at airports and land ports on the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan have been instructed to closely monitor incoming passengers for symptoms of Mpox.

Meanwhile, state governments have been urged to designate specific hospitals within their jurisdictions to handle such cases.

During a high-level meeting chaired by P. K. Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, officials reviewed the nation’s readiness to deal with Mpox.

As of now, no Mpox cases have been reported in India, and the risk of a large outbreak remains low, according to official assessments.

However, the World Health Organization has classified Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its spread in various parts of Africa.

The health ministry has directed enhanced surveillance and effective measures for the prompt detection of Mpox cases across the country.

Currently, 32 laboratories are equipped to test for Mpox, and there is a focus on early diagnosis and timely notification to the surveillance system.

Additionally, there is an emphasis on running awareness campaigns to educate healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of Mpox.

The protocols for prevention and treatment are being disseminated widely to ensure preparedness at all levels.

Globally, Mpox cases have surged, with 99,176 cases and 208 deaths reported from 116 countries since 2022.

In India, 30 Mpox cases have been reported since 2022, with the most recent case detected in March 2024.

The situation remains under close watch, with continuous efforts to prevent any outbreak within the country.

Image Credit: NIAID, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Mpox Virus

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mpox_Virus_(52704526002).jpg