Mpox: Health Ministry Shares Update On Case Status As 'Cautionary Measures' In Place Amid Scare

The Union Health Ministry reported that there were no cases of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, in India on Saturday. It announced that precautionary measures will still be implemented to prevent and control the spread of the disease. During a review meeting, while the possibility of detecting a few imported cases in the coming weeks wasn't entirely ignored, it was assessed that the risk of a major outbreak with sustained transmission in India remains low at this time.Since the World Health Organization (WHO) first declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern in 2022, a total of 30 cases have been detected in India, with the last one reported in March 2024, the ministry added in a statement.According to the press release of the Health Ministry, it confirmed that no Mpox cases are currently reported in India and that the situation is being closely monitored.Mpox: Union Health Minister JP Nadda Conducts Detailed Review Of SituationAfter the WHO's renewed declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda conducted a detailed review of the situation and preparedness with senior ministry officials.As a precaution, various measures were decided upon, including sensitising health units at airports, seaports, and ground crossings, preparing 32 testing laboratories, and ensuring health facilities are ready to detect, isolate, and manage any cases.ALSO READ | Mpox Outbreak Explained With 12 Key Questions As WHO Declares Latest Public Health EmergencyDuring the meeting, it was highlighted that Mpox infections are typically self-limiting, lasting between 2-4 weeks, with patients generally recovering through supportive care.The ministry statement confirmed that the transmission of Mpox requires prolonged close contact with an infected individual and is generally spread through sexual contact, direct contact with bodily fluids or lesions, or contaminated clothing or linens.The WHO's 2022 declaration was revoked in May 2023, but since 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths due to Mpox across 116 countries.On Friday, a joint monitoring group meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services and attended by 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), central government hospitals, Directorate General of Health Services, All India Institute of Medical Sciences AIIMS and others.