The government  advised testing and screening of all suspected Mpox patients, isolation of confirmed cases, and tracing of contacts to “prevent or reduce the risk of any Mpox cases or deaths in the country.”

The government has identified that there was no reason to panic unnecessarily amongst the general public.” It also asked the states and union territories to fix hospitals for establishing isolation facilities and prepare for managing suspected and confirmed cases, thus requiring resources.

Health Ministry Issues Advisory On Mpox

The Health Ministry issued guidelines related to the management of the “monkeypox disease” and a full-fledged surveillance action plan for the detection of cases, contact tracing, and contact vaccination, similar to those followed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided laboratory testing, clinical management protocols, isolation, infection prevention practices, and communication strategies to manage the risk.

It called on the senior officers to review the preparedness for public health especially in state and district health facilities. The planned activities include sensitization of healthcare workers, especially in skin and STD clinics, on symptoms and possible diagnoses and actions to be taken in case of Mpox detection.

Heath Ministry Emphasized On Raising Awareness

Health Ministry officials emphasized raising awareness about Mpox and its common symptoms. Health authorities referred to the latest World Health Organization update, which said most monkeypox patients are men aged between 18 and 44 years with rash (systemic or genital) with fever as the most common symptoms.