New Delhi, September 26, 2024:- In a recent advisory, the Indian government has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to take immediate and strict measures to control the spread of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasized the importance of public health interventions to prevent further outbreaks across the nation.
The advisory highlighted the need for increased public awareness about Mpox, particularly focusing on how the virus is transmitted and its key symptoms. States and UTs have been encouraged to engage local communities and stress the significance of early detection and reporting. “All states and UTs are requested to take appropriate steps to inform communities about the disease and its prevention,” the advisory stated.
Key Guidelines for Controlling Mpox:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: States and UTs are instructed to initiate community outreach programs to educate the public on Mpox symptoms, transmission, and the importance of timely reporting.
- Isolation of Suspected Cases: Any suspected Mpox cases must be isolated immediately, and stringent infection control protocols must be followed.
- Adequate Isolation Facilities: Hospitals are advised to ensure they have the capacity to isolate both suspected and confirmed Mpox cases, with trained medical personnel and proper logistical support.
- Symptomatic Treatment: The Health Ministry urged all hospitals to follow current treatment protocols, focusing on symptomatic management of Mpox patients.
- Sample Testing: States must send samples from suspected cases to designated laboratories for confirmation. Positive cases should be forwarded to ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to identify the Mpox strain.
- Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities: The advisory recommended using ICMR-approved laboratories and PCR kits to detect the virus early and initiate containment measures.
- Monitoring Health Infrastructure: Senior health officials at both the state and district levels were encouraged to regularly evaluate the public health infrastructure and preparedness for handling Mpox cases.
What to Avoid:
The Health Ministry also outlined several critical don’ts to minimize Mpox transmission:
- Avoid Panic: States are urged to communicate effectively with the public to prevent unnecessary panic while clearly explaining preventive measures.
- No Delays in Reporting: Prompt reporting of suspected cases is essential. Any delays could lead to further transmission and exacerbate the situation.
- Avoid Overcrowding Healthcare Facilities: Only symptomatic or confirmed cases requiring isolation should be admitted to healthcare facilities to prevent overburdening the system.
- Do Not Ignore Mild Cases: Even mild cases should be tested and isolated if necessary to ensure the virus doesn’t spread undetected.
The advisory underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between states, UTs, and healthcare facilities to control the spread of Mpox and safeguard public health across India.
