Panaji: Union Health Ministry has issued a new advisory to states and Union Territories (UTs) regarding mpox, a disease recently declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As of now, India has not reported any cases of mpox in the current outbreak. However, the advisory urges state governments to remain vigilant and adhere to the ministry’s guidelines for monitoring and managing the disease. This includes implementing effective surveillance strategies and setting up isolation facilities to handle both suspected and confirmed cases.
The Health Ministry emphasized that the national Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is actively monitoring for any potential mpox clusters within the country. Points of entry, like airports, have increased health screenings for incoming travellers. Additionally, the laboratory network under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been enhanced to test samples from suspected cases.
The advisory also highlights the importance of informing healthcare workers, especially those in skin and sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, about the signs and symptoms of mpox. This is crucial for ensuring prompt diagnosis and response.
States are advised to screen and test all suspect cases within the community, from hospital-based surveillance to intervention sites identified by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). The Health Ministry has requested that states educate their communities about mpox, including how it spreads, the importance of timely reporting, and preventive measures. It also stressed the need to prevent unnecessary panic among the public.
