The Union Health Ministry of India issued stricter safety measures at international airports and land ports, especially at borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan, following the global surge in Mpox. The objective was to detect and isolate travelers showing symptoms of a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus known as Mpox.
Key measures and preparations
The Ministry has identified three major hospitals in New Delhi Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College as central facilities for isolating and treating Mpox cases. The ministry has also asked state governments to get local hospitals ready. A network of 32 laboratories across the country has been readied to carry out Mpox testing efficiently.
Though there have not been any reported cases of Mpox in India as yet, these are some of the proactive steps in a much larger apparatus of measures being taken to ensure that, when the virus does come here, it does not spread. While the chances of a large outbreak are thought to be still pretty low by the authorities, only alert is required for early detection.
As the World Health Organization
(WHO) declares MPox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, PM @narendramodi is taking proactive steps to manage the situation.Dr. P.K. Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, convened a high-level meeting yesterday to… pic.twitter.com/EgR9dJy4dU
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) August 19, 2024
What one needs to know about Mpox
Mpox is mainly transmitted via direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. It may also be spread by bites or scratches from animals, and pregnant women can pass it on to their unborn babies. The symptoms typically develop one to three weeks after exposure and last two to four weeks. They include:
- Rash: The flat sores progress to fluid-filled blisters that, at times, are either itchy or painful.
- Fever: This rash very often occurs along with high fever.
- Headache and Muscle Aches: Characteristic features are severe headaches and aching muscles.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes commonly occur.
- Fatigue: General tiredness and lack of energy are typical.
It may further present on any part of the body, like the palms, soles, face, mouth, and genitals, and in varying degrees of severity.
Global context and WHO classification
The World Health Organization refers to Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the heavy toll it takes in Africa. Reports show over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths in 116 countries since 2022. Cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo increase substantially.
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