Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda led a review on the current Monkeypox situation and India's preparedness, following the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of Monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
As of now, India has not reported any cases of Monkeypox. However, the health ministry is taking proactive steps to ensure readiness. Measures include sensitising health units at all airports, seaports, and ground crossings, preparing 32 testing laboratories, and equipping health facilities to detect, isolate, and manage any potential cases.
Monkeypox is generally self-limiting and typically lasts between two to four weeks. Patients usually recover with supportive care. Transmission occurs through prolonged close contact with an infected person, typically via the sexual route, direct contact with lesions or bodily fluids, or contaminated clothing and linens.
The WHO initially declared Monkeypox a PHEIC in July 2022 but lifted the designation in May 2023. Globally, since the initial declaration, there have been 99,176 reported cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries. In India, 30 cases have been reported since the declaration, with the most recent case occurring in March 2024.
A Joint Monitoring Group Meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, was held on August 16 to assess the situation.
The meeting included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), WHO, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Directorate General of Health Services, and other central government hospitals and institutions like AIIMS.
Although imported cases may still be detected in the coming weeks, the overall risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission in India is currently considered low. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation to ensure timely response and preparedness.
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