India is on high alert after its first suspected case of Mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, was reported in Delhi. The Centre, in a swift response, has advised all states and union territories to implement comprehensive measures to contain any potential spread of the virus.
This includes rigorous screening, testing, and contact tracing of all individuals suspected of having Mpox. States and UTs have also been instructed to identify and prepare dedicated isolation facilities within hospitals for both suspected and confirmed cases.
In a letter addressed to the states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasized the importance of preventing undue panic while maintaining a high level of vigilance. He assured the public that no new cases have been reported in India since the current outbreak began, and that none of the samples tested from suspected cases have come back positive. However, he stressed the critical need for continued alertness.
The Health Ministry has been closely monitoring the global Mpox situation, and the letter issued by Chandra outlines a series of crucial steps for state and local authorities to take. These include:
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Public Health Preparedness Review:
A thorough review of public health preparedness measures, particularly at the level of health facilities, is essential.*
Isolation Facility Identification:
Hospitals must identify and prepare dedicated isolation facilities to accommodate both suspected and confirmed cases.*
Logistics and Human Resource Management:
Ensuring the availability of necessary logistics and adequately trained medical personnel at these facilities is crucial.*
Stakeholder Orientation:
All key stakeholders, especially surveillance units under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) at state and district levels, need to be thoroughly oriented on the definitions of suspect, probable, and confirmed cases, as well as contact tracing procedures and other surveillance activities.The initial suspected case in India, reported on Sunday, involved a man who recently returned from overseas. He has been placed under isolation in a designated hospital and is currently stable.
This heightened alert comes in the wake of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14, 2024. The global outbreak was first announced in 2022, with cases being reported from various countries around the world.
Following WHO’s declaration, India’s Health Ministry, in August, incorporated recommendations from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) into its response plan. These measures included:
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Enhanced Port of Entry Screening:
Strengthened surveillance at ports of entry to identify sick individuals arriving from affected areas.*
Isolation of Suspected and Confirmed Cases:
Immediate isolation of suspected and confirmed cases to prevent further transmission.*
Laboratory Testing:
Prompt and accurate laboratory testing for Mpox.*
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Extensive public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the symptoms, prevention, and reporting procedures for Mpox.*
Hospital Infection Control Measures:
Implementation of stringent infection control measures within hospitals to prevent the spread of the virus.India’s decisive action in response to its first suspected Mpox case underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the virus from gaining a foothold within the country. The nationwide screening and isolation measures, along with the comprehensive public health preparedness plan, are crucial steps towards containing any potential spread of Mpox and protecting the Indian population.
