How Prepared Is India For An Mpox Outbreak? (Image: Katson Maliro/WHO)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak previously known as Monkeypox, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The decision follows a notable increase in cases, especially across Africa. As of now, Indian health authorities have informed that there have been no active cases since March 2024.
The virus has killed more than 500 people so far, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the disease has been spreading since last year.
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Since our healthcare infrastructure faced several challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government is keeping a close eye on the situation. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are now closely monitoring the situation and reviewing international trends.
Since 2022, 30 were detected in India with the last case in March 2024. The first case was reported in July 2022. While globally since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Monkeypox from 116 countries.
In Tamil Nadu, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has already issued alerts. Moreover, the passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African countries are being tracked by airport health officers and port health personnel.
Hyderabad and New Delhi are popular among African students pursuing higher education and thus these cities are placed on high alert.
The Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines for airports, land ports, and hospitals to remain vigilant regarding international passengers displaying Mpox symptoms. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has released an advisory on effectively managing and containing an Mpox outbreak. Apart from that, three hospitals in Delhi-Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College – have initiated efforts to establish isolation facilities. Authorities in Kerala have also announced alerts amid the growing fear of Mpox threats globally.
The ministry has instructed the network of testing laboratories to be prepared for early diagnosis of Monkeypox cases. As of now, 32 laboratories across India are equipped to test for the virus.
Read also: What Is Mpox That Forced WHO To Declare Global Health Emergency?
Mpox is a viral infection affecting humans and animals, Mpox is an easily spreading pandemic causing pox-like conditions including rash with bumps or blisters on the skin. The bumps are filled with fluid or pus and finally heal. Severe conditions include larger and widespread lesions in the mouth, eyes, and genitals. The condition might cause lung and blood infections. It is being spread through close contact among people and animals.
