The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Mpox outbreaks, previously known as monkeypox, in Congo and other parts of Africa, a global emergency. Despite this declaration, India’s Union Health Ministry has reassured the public that the risk of a Mpox surge in the country remains “very low.” The most recent case of Mpox in India was reported in March of this year, originating from Kerala, according to news agency PTI, quoting official sources within the health ministry.
Since 2022, India has documented 30 laboratory-confirmed cases of this viral infection. “At the moment, the risk of a surge in monkeypox infection is very low in India, and there is no need to panic,” a person aware of the development was quoted as saying by the news agency.
In response to the global situation, the health ministry is considering issuing advisories to points of entry, such as airports and seaports, instructing them to be vigilant and prepared to manage suspected cases as per existing guidelines. These guidelines encompass detailed protocols for isolation, treatment, and contact tracing to curb the potential spread, ensuring a comprehensive strategy in controlling the disease.
Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Union Health Minister, will be holding a meeting on Saturday to review the situation. Ministry officials, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will attend the meeting to ensure all necessary precautions are in place.
India’s 2022 guidelines for the management of Mpox outlined that human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through large respiratory droplets requiring prolonged close contact. The virus can also spread via direct contact with bodily fluids or lesion material and indirectly through contaminated clothing or linen.
Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been conducting a serosurvey since last year to determine the exposure to Mpox among India’s high-risk population, according to a scientist aware of the matter. This ongoing research will help provide valuable insights into the potential spread and impact of the virus within the country.
