India is taking a proactive approach to combat the spread of mpox, issuing new guidelines to states and union territories aimed at strengthening infection prevention and control measures. This move comes in the wake of the country confirming its second case of the deadly virus, a 26-year-old man in Kerala who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. The new guidelines, issued by the Union Health Ministry, highlight the need for comprehensive and immediate action to curb the spread of mpox. The guidelines emphasize the importance of public awareness, isolation of suspected cases, building isolation facilities, symptomatic treatment, and robust diagnostic capabilities.
Here are the key dos and don’ts outlined in the advisory:
Dos
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Increase Public Awareness:
The health ministry has directed states to educate communities about mpox, covering its transmission methods, the importance of prompt reporting, and essential preventive measures. According to the World Health Organization, mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It spreads through close contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.*
Isolate Suspected Cases:
Immediate isolation of any suspected mpox cases is crucial. Authorities emphasize strict infection prevention and control measures should be implemented without delay. Common symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, lasting 2–4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.*
Build More Isolation Facilities:
The health ministry has urged hospitals to establish adequate isolation facilities for both suspected and confirmed mpox cases. This includes ensuring proper logistics and training staff to effectively manage these situations. Several states, including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra, have already implemented isolation facilities in both government-run and some private hospitals.*
Symptomatic Treatment:
The health ministry has instructed states to adhere to current treatment guidelines, which emphasize symptomatic management for those affected. There is no specific treatment for mpox. Instead, disease management focuses on providing symptomatic relief, such as addressing rashes, managing pain, and preventing complications.*
Send Suspected Samples for Testing:
States have been directed to send samples from suspected mpox cases to designated laboratories for testing. Confirmed positive cases should be forwarded to the ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to identify the clade.*
Boost Diagnostic Capacities:
The Centre has called on states to utilize ICMR-approved laboratories and PCR kits to facilitate early detection and containment of the virus. Robust diagnostic testing capabilities are already available, with 36 ICMR-supported labs across the country and three commercial mpox PCR kits validated by ICMR and approved by CDSCO.Don’ts
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Avoid Panic:
The Centre asked states and UTs to communicate clearly with the public to prevent widespread panic and ensure understanding of preventive measures. It is crucial to avoid panic among the public.*
Report Cases Without Delay:
Immediate reporting of suspected mpox cases is vital to prevent further spread. Delays could worsen the situation.*
Don’t Ignore Mild Cases:
All suspected cases, including mild ones, should be tested and isolated if necessary to minimize unnoticed transmission.*
Avoid Overcrowding:
The health advisory has asked to only admit symptomatic patients or those requiring isolation to avoid straining healthcare facilities.By implementing these measures, India aims to safeguard public health and reduce the impact of the mpox outbreak. The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely.
