India’s Ministry of Health has issued a nationwide advisory on Mpox, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness. The advisory comes on the heels of India becoming the third non-African country to report a case of the more transmissible and virulent clade 1b Mpox strain on September 23rd.
The advisory, issued to all states and union territories, highlights that while the clinical presentation of Mpox clade 1b in adults remains similar to clade II, the rate of complications may be higher with clade 1b infections. This underscores the importance of early detection, isolation, and effective management of suspected cases.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare has instructed states to implement strict infection prevention and control measures for all suspected Mpox cases. This includes isolating individuals exhibiting symptoms and ensuring appropriate protocols are followed in healthcare settings.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the ministry has provided detailed clinical management protocols, infection control guidelines, and a comprehensive risk communication strategy. States are also being directed to ensure designated laboratories are operational and equipped to conduct Mpox testing.
The World Health Organization declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2023, citing the potential for widespread global transmission. This is the second time the WHO has declared a PHEIC related to Mpox, with the latest declaration specifically addressing the more virulent clade 1b strain.
In light of the current situation, the Health Ministry has instructed states to conduct thorough reviews of public health preparedness at all levels, including state and district. Hospitals are being directed to establish dedicated isolation facilities for managing both suspected and confirmed Mpox cases. These facilities must be adequately staffed with trained personnel, equipped with necessary logistics, and have an established augmentation plan to meet any potential surge in cases.
To facilitate prompt diagnosis and genomic sequencing, the advisory recommends that samples from suspected Mpox patients be sent to designated laboratories immediately. Positive samples should be further forwarded to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) for genomic analysis to determine the specific clade.
This latest advisory serves as a strong reminder of the evolving nature of the Mpox outbreak and underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance, prompt response, and coordinated public health efforts to contain its spread.
