Blitz Bureau
INDIA does not have any reported case of mpox in the current outbreak, Principal Secretary P. K. Mishra informed on August 18.
High-level meeting
Chairing a high-level meeting, Mishra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been continuously monitoring the mpox situation in the country.
“The meeting was held to review the status of preparedness for mpox in the country and related public health measures,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.
It may be noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) last week declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) after the infectious disease spread to about 13 countries in Africa, including in countries with no previous exposure.
It was briefed during the meeting that as of now, there is no reported case of mpox in the country. According to the current assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, the statement noted. The WHO had earlier stated that globally, 99,176 cases and 208 deaths had been reported from 116 countries due to mpox since 2022.
The number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.
Since the 2022 declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO, 30 cases were reported in India. The last case was detected in March 2024.
Meanwhile, at the meeting on August 18, Mishra directed that surveillance be enhanced and effective measures be taken for prompt detection of cases. He also directed that the testing laboratories network should be geared up for early diagnosis. Presently, 32 labs are equipped for Mpox testing.
Prevention protocols
Mishra also directed that the protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease may be disseminated on a large scale.
He further emphasised an awareness campaign among the healthcare providers regarding the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system.
