The Union Health Ministry has issued a fresh advisory to all states and union territories in light of the recent Mpox case reported in India, making it the third non-African country to detect a case of clade 1b Mpox infection. This advisory comes as a proactive measure to prevent the further spread of the virus and ensure preparedness across the nation.
The advisory, released on September 26 by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, emphasises the need for isolation of all suspected Mpox cases. It also urges states to implement strict infection prevention and control measures. The advisory provides guidance on clinical management protocols, infection control practices, and a comprehensive risk communication strategy.
The World Health Organization had declared the current Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024. This marks the second time the disease has been associated with a PHEIC under the International Health Regulations of 2005, to which India is a signatory. The advisory highlights the seriousness of the situation and the importance of timely interventions to curb the spread of the disease.
The ministry’s letter to states and union territories has outlined several key steps to be taken, starting with an assessment of public health preparedness at health facilities. Reviews of these preparations are to be conducted by senior officials at both state and district levels.
The advisory has also directed health authorities to identify isolation facilities within hospitals to handle both suspected and confirmed Mpox cases. This includes ensuring that the necessary resources, logistics, and trained personnel are available in these facilities, with a robust augmentation plan in place to handle any potential surge in cases.
Additionally, the advisory acknowledges that the clinical presentation of Mpox clade I in adults is similar to that of clade II. However, the rate of complications is expected to be higher with clade I infections, making swift action even more critical.
The Ministry’s statement underscores that India’s preparedness is vital in minimising the risk posed by the clade I variant, which is considered more virulent and transmissible than the clade II strain that caused an earlier outbreak.
This advisory comes at a crucial time, as India joins Sweden and Thailand as the only non-African countries to report a case of Mpox clade 1b during the current outbreak. Previously, Mpox had primarily been linked to regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Ministry has warned that although the clinical symptoms of clade I and clade II are similar, the potential for severe complications is higher with clade I, making it a significant public health concern.
The Health Ministry’s advisory also outlines public health actions that need to be implemented to prevent further transmission. States and union territories are required to review their public health systems at the local level, identify isolation facilities, and ensure that hospitals are equipped with the necessary resources and trained staff.
The advisory also stresses the importance of rigorous diagnostic testing. Samples from patients showing symptoms should be immediately sent to designated laboratories, and any positive samples must undergo genome sequencing at ICMR-NIV to identify the specific Mpox clade.
India currently has a strong testing capacity with 36 labs supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) across the country, and three commercially available PCR testing kits that have been validated by the ICMR and approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). These resources will play a crucial role in managing and controlling the spread of Mpox in the country.
The Health Ministry has reassured states and union territories that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and offer all necessary support to help manage any outbreak.
The advisory serves as a reminder that while India is better equipped to handle health crises, proactive measures and timely interventions remain the key to minimising the impact of Mpox on public health.
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