The Union Health Ministry has directed airports and land ports on India’s borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to be on the lookout for arriving passengers displaying Mpox symptoms. This directive comes in the wake of concerns over the global spread of the virus, PTI reported.
Nodal hospitals identified for Mpox management
In response to the potential threat, the Health Ministry has designated three hospitals in Delhi – Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital – as key centres for isolation, management and treatment of any Mpox cases. The Centre has also urged state governments to identify and designate similar hospitals within their jurisdictions to ensure preparedness in case of an outbreak.
WHO declares a global public health emergency
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Mpox outbreak a global public health emergency. The recent surge, driven by a new variant, has resulted in 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths, mostly affecting children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the outbreak began in January 2023.
High-level meeting on preparation for Mpox
On Sunday, PK Mishra, principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chaired a high-level meeting to assess India’s preparedness for a possible Mpox outbreak. Enhanced surveillance measures are being implemented across the country to ensure early detection of the virus.
Current risk assessment
Authorities have said that no cases of Mpox have been reported in India so far. While the current strain of the virus is more virulent and contagious, the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak in the country remains low, as per the current assessment.
The Health Ministry has ordered increased surveillance efforts and stressed the need for early detection of Mpox cases. Currently, 32 laboratories across India are equipped to conduct testing and the Ministry has directed that testing capacities be fully mobilised for early diagnosis.
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