In response to the increasing global cases of Mpox, the central government of India has ramped up its vigilance. This proactive measure involves stringent monitoring at airports, ports, and border crossings to manage and prevent the potential spread of the virus.
Authorities have been instructed to enhance surveillance, particularly at key entry points such as airports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Prominent central hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital, are being equipped with isolation facilities to handle any potential cases of Mpox. This move is part of the broader strategy to ensure adequate preparation and response capabilities.
The Union Health Ministry has been actively engaged in discussions with experts regarding this new virus. Although Mpox is related to the Monkeypox virus, it is considered distinct and requires separate handling measures.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and state health departments have been involved in these discussions, focusing on enhancing preparedness across the nation.
The government has also emphasised that Mpox is a self-limiting virus, with symptoms resembling those of chickenpox. There is currently no evidence linking Mpox with COVID-19, and the risk of a large-scale outbreak remains low, according to recent assessments. Testing facilities are available at 32 ICMR centres across the country to support early detection and diagnosis.
A high-level review meeting, led by PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held on Sunday to evaluate the country’s readiness for Mpox. The meeting confirmed that no cases of Mpox have been reported in India so far.
Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) classifying Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern due to its spread in various parts of Africa, no specific travel advisories have been issued.
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