Despite no reported monkeypox (Mpox) cases in Jammu and Kashmir, health authorities in J&K have intensified their vigilance following directives from the central government. Major hospitals and healthcare institutions across the Union Territory have been instructed to bolster their preparedness to address any potential outbreaks of the infectious viral disease, a senior health department official informed. In response to the government’s orders, health officials in Jammu and Kashmir have mandated all healthcare institutions to maintain a high level of alert for any possible exigencies.
“The Health Secretary has directed heads of departments to conduct mock drills across the Union Territory, ensuring that all health personnel are adequately trained in logistics and transportation protocols related to potential Mpox cases.” “Isolation wards are to be set up in all healthcare facilities as a precautionary measure. The health department is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the region is equipped to handle any unforeseen situations related to the viral disease,” a health department official said.
According to Medicos, Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the poxviridae family. There are two monkeypox viruses: Clade 1, responsible for more severe disease, and Clade 2, which leads to less severe manifestations. The first case of Mpox was detected in the Democratic Republi.