The government has advised international airports and border authorities, especially those at land ports with Pakistan and Bangladesh, to heighten vigilance in response to the Mpox outbreak.
All incoming passengers displaying symptoms of Mpox must be identified and directed immediately to hospitals.
In India, while the risk level remains low, the Union Health Ministry has mandated enhanced testing procedures, with 32 laboratories designated for Mpox testing. For treatment of suspected Mpox cases, isolation and patient management will be managed by three central hospitals in New Delhi: Safdarjung Hospital, Lady Hardinge Hospital, and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Additionally, state governments have been instructed to identify and prepare similar facilities within their regions.
WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its widespread impact across various regions in Africa. As of the latest update, there have been 99,176 reported cases and 208 deaths from Mpox across 116 countries since 2022, according to PTI.
New Strain Discovered; Four More Countries Report Cases
A new variant of the Mpox virus was recently identified in Sweden. While officials suggest the risk to the general public remains “low,” they expect to see “sporadic imported cases” continuing, according to AP. Additionally, there is concern about a new variant detected in Congo, which may be more easily transmitted. This variant is associated with milder symptoms and lesions predominantly affecting the genitals, a shift from previous outbreaks where lesions were mainly observed on the chest, hands, and feet. This change in symptom presentation complicates detection and raises the risk of unrecognized transmission. The WHO has also reported Mpox cases in four East African countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—linked to the ongoing epidemic in Congo.
High-Level Surveillance and Preparedness Efforts
A high-level meeting chaired by P K Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, has focused on Mpox preparedness. Enhanced surveillance and detection measures have been implemented at airports and borders. Efforts include prevention strategies, treatment protocols, and awareness campaigns. Healthcare providers are being advised to educate the public about Mpox symptoms and prevention methods and to act swiftly if cases are identified.
Global and Domestic Efforts Against Mpox
Mpox infections and deaths have surged in 2023, and the situation has worsened in 2024, with cases exceeding 17,000 and deaths rising to 537. In India, 30 Mpox cases have been reported since 2022, with the most recent case traced in March 2024. Globally, more than 99,000 cases and 208 deaths have been reported across 116 countries since 2022.
Share your news, articles, deals, columns, or press releases with us! Click the link to submit and join our platform today.
