In response to the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency, the Union Health Ministry of India has implemented heightened vigilance measures across the country. This proactive approach comes despite no confirmed cases of Mpox being reported within India.
To bolster preparedness, the Ministry has issued directives to airport authorities and officials at land border crossings with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain vigilant for incoming passengers exhibiting symptoms consistent with Mpox. This mandate for enhanced surveillance follows a high-level meeting chaired by P K Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, on July 23rd.
India’s preparedness plan includes the designation of three nodal centers – Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital – for the management, isolation, and treatment of potential Mpox patients. The central government has also directed all state governments to identify and designate similar hospitals within their respective jurisdictions.
While the current assessment suggests a low risk of a large-scale outbreak with sustained transmission in India, officials are emphasizing the importance of robust surveillance and swift detection of potential cases. To facilitate early diagnosis, the country currently boasts 32 laboratories equipped for Mpox testing. The Health Ministry is actively working to expand this network of testing facilities.
The recent confirmation of Mpox cases outside Africa, specifically in Sweden and Pakistan, has further underscored the importance of India’s precautionary measures. Sweden’s Public Health Agency reported its first case of the Clade 1b subclade, originating from Africa. Similarly, Pakistan reported a case in a 34-year-old man who had recently returned from a Gulf country, attributed to Clade 2b.
The ongoing Mpox epidemic, with its epicenter in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has seen a surge in reported cases. As of the most recent data, over 16,000 cases have been recorded, resulting in 548 deaths in the country.
India’s proactive stance in the face of the Mpox threat demonstrates its commitment to public health and safety. The government’s comprehensive response, encompassing heightened surveillance, designated treatment centers, and enhanced laboratory capacity, aims to effectively mitigate any potential risks posed by the virus.
