Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued directives to all states, highlighting the urgent need for screening and testing suspected Mpox cases. Meanwhile, India confirmed its first case of Mpox on Monday (Sep 9). Lab results revealed the presence of the Mpox virus from the West African clade 2 in the patient.
Here are the details of the guidelines:
• The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has developed a plan aimed at detecting Mpox cases early. This plan includes instructions on lab testing, clinical treatment protocols, and steps to control infections.
• Senior health officials at the state and district levels are expected to consistently monitor the preparedness of public healthcare centers. Hospitals have been instructed to set up isolation wards for both suspected and confirmed cases, staffed by properly trained personnel.
• “While all states are requested to undertake appropriate activities to make communities aware about the disease, its mode of spread, need for timely reporting and preventive measures, it is crucial that any undue panic amongst the masses is prevented,” the advisory noted.
• Special attention is being given to training staff in skin and sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics to recognize the symptoms of Mpox and respond appropriately after diagnosing a case.
• Screening for suspected cases will take place in both community settings and hospitals, with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) intervention sites also integrated into the monitoring system.
The Ministry had reassured the public that there is no need to be overly worried. “The development aligns with the earlier risk assessment conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and there is no cause for any undue concern,” the Ministry stated.
