On Monday, the Union Health Ministry urged all airports and border land ports with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert for passengers showing symptoms of Mpox, according to the reports.
The ministry has designated Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital in Delhi as the key facilities for isolating, managing, and treating any Mpox cases in the capital. The Centre has instructed state governments to establish similar designated hospitals within their regions.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current Mpox outbreak a global public health emergency due to a new variant’s emergence. Since January 2023, there have been 27,000 reported cases and over 1,100 deaths, primarily among children, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On Sunday, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, led a meeting to evaluate India’s readiness for Mpox and review the enhanced surveillance measures for quick detection.
Officials have reported no current cases of Mpox in India. Present assessments suggest a low risk of a significant outbreak with prolonged transmission.
The Health Ministry has instructed officials to enhance surveillance and implement effective measures for the swift detection of Mpox. Currently, 32 laboratories in India are equipped for Mpox testing.
