Pune: The state health department on Monday issued a circular containing guidelines and response measures if cases of Mpox were detected. Those reporting symptoms such as rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, exhaustion and chills — especially recent travellers to affected countries (in the last 3 weeks) or someone who has come in contact with a suspected case — have been asked to report to the nearest health centre, the circular stated, adding that samples will be sent to Pune’s National Institute of Virology for testing. A confirmation will come through genome sequencing or a PCR test.
Even the presence of a single confirmed case will be declared as an outbreak in that region, guidelines said. Confirmed cases have to be isolated and must wear triple-layered masks, at all times, till complete recovery. Close contacts risk contracting the infection through skin-to-skin contact, kissing, hugging, or sexual activity.
In severe cases, Mpox can trigger pneumonia, sepsis, neurological complications and even loss of vision. Dr Radhakishan Pawar, joint director, health services, Maharashtra, said: “As of now, govt of India has not recommended vaccination or active surveillance; only self-reporting is recommended. Incubation period for the Mpox virus could be anywhere between 6-13 days to 5-21 days.
Close contacts of a patient are very likely to get infected through contact, so a person with symptoms should be isolated immediately.” Dr Pawar added that contact with bodily fluids or clothes of an infected person can also transmit the virus. In Pune, PMC officials said they will be stationing personnel at both the old and new terminal buildings to screen incoming international passengers for Mpox.
Anyone detected with the listed symptoms will be directed to Naidu Hospital for observation, said assistant health officer of PMC’s health department, Suryakant Deokar. The state health department circular stated that usually, it takes about two to four weeks for full recovery from Mpox, but warned the infection could get serious in children and in some adults. If a confirmed patient is detected at a point of entry, fellow travellers will have to go through a 21-day follow-up period, the circular said.
Authorities in all cities with international airports or ports have been asked to stay in constant touch with the state health department, officials said. We also published the following articles recently Sweden confirms first case of mpox Sweden confirmed its first case of mpox, a viral infection spread through close contact, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health Minister Jakob Forssmed announced that the case involved the more severe Clade I type.
This marks the first encounter with Clade I mpox in Sweden, declared a global public health emergency by WHO. China to screen arrivals for mpox symptoms China announced it would screen people and goods entering the country for mpox over six months, following the WHO's global health emergency declaration. Travellers from affected areas or those showing symptoms must declare to customs.
Sweden reported the first dangerous variant case outside Africa, with further European spread expected. Mpox, an infectious disease, causes fever and skin lesions. WHO declares mpox a global health emergency: What is mpox, can the virus spread, How can it be stopped The WHO declared a global health emergency due to rising mpox cases in Africa.
First found in monkeys in 1958, mpox has recently spread to over 70 countries. The virus prompted heightened concern in Africa, where children are heavily affected. The need for vaccines is critical, especially in Congo, which is hard-hit by new variants.
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