Indian airports and borders on high alert amid Mpox outbreak. Credit: Canva/Representative image
Recently, the World Health Organization The WHO has declared the recent surge in mpox cases a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), highlighting the need for a coordinated international response to the global nature of this outbreak. The declaration comes after Africa recorded more than 15,000 suspected and confirmed cases and 537 deaths this year, surpassing the number for the entire year of 2023. Following the declaration of a public health emergency by the World Health Organization, India is taking proactive measures to prevent the entry and spread of the disease.
India on high alert for Mpox
Pakistani authorities on Monday reported a suspected case of mpox in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The 47-year-old PoK resident recently returned from Jeddah and was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad with a doctor. mpox symptomsA heightened surveillance system has therefore been put in place at airports and land borders, particularly those shared with Bangladesh and Pakistan. Three hospitals in Delhi – Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College – have been designated as treatment centres, and similar facilities are planned for other states. The government is emphasising public awareness, training of health workers and building laboratory capacity to prevent a possible outbreak.
In addition, India has expanded its testing capacity to 32 laboratories across the country, ensuring prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While the current risk of a widespread outbreak in India remains low, the government is committed to maintaining a high level of vigilance and preparedness.
Africa: Epicenter of the Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the virus has been endemic for decades, has been identified as the epicenter of the current mpox outbreakwith a new clade of the virus spreading rapidly. Neighbouring countries including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya have also reported cases linked to the DRC outbreak. While most cases are concentrated in Africa, the virus has also been detected in countries outside the continent.
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