Centre rolls out advisory amid global Mpox scare, asks states to ramp up screening and testing

The advisory calls for enhanced surveillance and testing measures to manage and prevent cases of Mpox in India.

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra, on September 9, issued a formal advisory to all states and union territories, following the World Health Organisation's (WHO) declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The advisory calls for enhanced surveillance and testing measures to manage and prevent cases of Mpox in India, reported ANI.

Despite no positive cases reported at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune so far, the Health Ministry's advisory stressed the need for increased awareness, timely reporting, and preventive measures to mitigate public panic. It also highlighted the importance of reviewing public health preparedness at both state and district levels, including the establishment of isolation facilities for suspected and confirmed cases and ensuring the availability of necessary logistics and trained personnel.

Healthcare workers, especially those in skin clinics, sexually transmitted disease clinics, and National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) clinics, have been advised to adhere to health protocols. Chandra assured that the Health Ministry will closely monitor the situation and provide full support to states and union territories.

The Ministry, on Sunday, announced the identification of a suspected Mpox case in a young man who recently traveled from a country with an active outbreak.

“A young male patient, who recently travelled from a country currently experiencing Mpox transmission, has been identified as a suspect case of Mpox,” said the ministry. The patient is currently isolated in a hospital and reported to be in stable condition, with tests underway to confirm the infection, stated the Ministry. While the specific strain of Mpox has not yet been identified, tests are being conducted.

The ministry assured that “robust measures” are in place to handle the situation, including adherence to established protocols and ongoing contact tracing to determine potential sources and evaluate the broader impact.

“The country is fully prepared to deal with such isolated travel-related cases and has robust measures in place to manage and mitigate any potential risk,” the Ministry issued a statement.

Health units at airports, seaports, and land crossings have been on alert for the infection since last month, and laboratories and isolation facilities are also prepared.

The clade 1b variety, known for its higher transmissibility through close contact, has caused global concern, especially after recent outbreaks in Sweden and Africa. India has previously recorded 30 cases of the older clade 2 strain between 2022 and March 2024.