During the meeting, it was reported that Mpox infections are usually self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and that patients usually recover with treatment and supportive care. Photo: Shutterstock
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness for Mpox amid enhanced surveillance for early detection.
A statement said there have been no reported cases of Mpox in the country so far and the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, based on the current assessment.
It should be noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in view of its prevalence and spread in many parts of Africa.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to monitor the situation, he said.
During the meeting, it was reported that Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and patients usually recover with supportive care and treatment.
Mpox transmission occurs through close and prolonged contact with an infected patient.
Among the measures taken so far is the convening of an expert meeting by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12 to assess the risk to India.
A previously issued NCDC communicable disease alert for Mpox is being updated to reflect the latest developments. A sensitization campaign has been conducted by health teams at international airports (ports of entry).
The Director General of Health Services convened a video conference with more than 200 participants.
Health authorities at the state level, including Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units in the states and at ports of entry, have been sensitized in this regard, the statement said.
Mishra ordered that surveillance be strengthened and effective measures be taken to detect cases early. He said the network of testing laboratories should be prepared for early diagnosis, the statement said.
There are currently 32 laboratories equipped to perform tests.
Mishra said that protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease need to be disseminated on a large scale, stressing that there is a need for an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely reporting to the surveillance system.
According to an earlier WHO statement, 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Mpox have been reported in 116 countries worldwide since 2022.
Subsequently, Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Last year, reported cases increased significantly and the number of reported cases so far this year has already surpassed last year’s total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.
Since WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern in 2022, 30 cases have been reported in India. The last case of Mpox was detected in March 2024.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: August 18, 2024 | 10:25 PM IS
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