Mpox Alert: The Indian government has issued an alert for mpox and designated three hospitals as nodal centers to handle cases- Healt News Blog By Sandeep Singh

 

After mpox reached Pakistan and Europe from Africa, India has sounded an alert and set up nodal centres.

The Union Ministry of Health has asked all airports and border crossings with Pakistan and Bangladesh to be alert regarding incoming persons with mpox symptoms, officials told PTI.

The officials further said that the Centre has also designated three hospitals in Delhi as nodal centres for isolation, management, and treatment of any patient with mpox. They are Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung, and Lady Hardinge hospitals

Mpox is a viral disease that can spread from animals to humans, but also human-to-human through sexual or close physical contact. File Photo- Reuters

Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in Africa as a global health emergency. As of July 28, Africa has recorded around 14,250 mpox cases with at least 456 deaths. While 10 countries have recorded cases, 96 per cent of all cases have been in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the vast majority of patients have been children.

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads either from close physical contact (including sexual) with an infected person or from a scratch or a bite from an infected animal. Eating or drinking something contaminated by an infected animal may also spread the disease. The disease causes fever along with rash and lesions on the body. The complications include pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, etc.

Top official chairs meeting

Amid mpox scare abroad, PK Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a meeting to review the preparedness.

Officials told PTI that there are so far no cases in India. They added that the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low

An official source said, “The virus strain this time is different and is more virulent and infectious. But the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low in the country as per the current assessment.”

Directing increased surveillance, the Centre stressed that the network of testing laboratories should be geared up for early diagnosis of the disease, as per the agency.

Mishra on Sunday said protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease should be disseminated on a large scale, stressing the importance of running an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system, according to news agency.

Since 2022 when the last major outbreak was reported abroad, 30 mpox cases have been recorded in India. The last case was reported in March.

Mpox (Monkeypox) FAQs

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. While less severe than smallpox, mpox can still be a serious illness.  

How does mpox spread?

Mpox spreads primarily through:

• Direct contact with rash, scabs, or bodily fluids of an infected person  
• Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact  
• Contact with contaminated items, such as clothing, bedding, or utensils  

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Mpox symptoms typically appear within 3-21 days after exposure and include:

• Fever  
• Headache  
• Muscle aches  
• Backache  
• Chills  
• Swollen lymph nodes  
• Rash  

The rash often begins as flat lesions that progress to raised bumps, then pus-filled blisters, and finally scabs.  

How is mpox diagnosed?

Mpox is diagnosed through a laboratory test of a skin lesion or blood sample.  

Is there a treatment for mpox?

While most people recover on their own, severe cases may require antiviral medications.  

How can I protect myself from mpox?

To protect yourself from mpox:

• Avoid close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water  
• Practice safe sex
• Get vaccinated if you are at high risk  

Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

While mpox can spread through sexual contact, it is not primarily considered an STI. It can spread through other forms of close contact as well.  

How long is a person contagious with mpox?

A person is considered contagious from the onset of symptoms until all lesions have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.  

Is there a vaccine for mpox?

Yes, there are vaccines available to help prevent mpox infection.  

Should I be worried about mpox?

The risk of mpox for the general public is low. However, it's essential to be aware of the symptoms and take precautions if you are at higher risk.  

If you think you may have been exposed to mpox or are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Would you like to know more about a specific aspect of mpox?