 "Screen, test all mpox suspects: What Centre's advisory to states says amid global outbreak")
A day after India reported its first suspected case of mpox virus in a young male patient, the Union government on Monday issued a fresh advisory to all the states and union territories (UTs) calling for enhanced tracking, monitoring, testing, and reporting of cases of mpox, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Stay alert
The Union Health Ministry through its advisory has asked the states and UTs to stay alert and follow the ministry’s various guidelines on surveillance strategies.
Increase awareness
State governments have been asked to increase awareness about preventive measures, and timely report to mitigate panic.
Also, governments have been asked to review public health preparedness at state as well as district levels and establish isolation facilities to track and deal with suspected and confirmed cases of the disease.
Screening & testing of all suspect cases
The Centre has asked the states and UTs to screen and test all suspect cases in the community (either through hospital based surveillance and targeted survillance or intervention sites identified by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) for MSM, FSW population)
Health workers in skin & STD clinics advised to adhere protocols
The advisory has also advised healthcare workers, especially those in skin and STD (sexually transmitted diseases) clinics, and NACO clinics, to adhere to health protocols.
They have been asked to be aware about common signs and symptoms of mpox and actions that need to be taken after diagnosis, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said in the advisory issued to states and UTs.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts‘Intensive and clear risk communication’
The advisory further asked the states and UTs for “intensive and and clear risk communication directed at healthcare workers, identified sites in health facilities (Such as skin, pediatric OPDs, immunisation clinics, intervention sites identified by NACO) as well in community about simple preventive strategies and need for prompt reporting cases."
Prevent undue panic
“While all states are requested to undertake appropriate activities to make communities aware about the disease, its mode of spread, need for timely reporting and preventive measures, it is crucial that any undue panic amongst the masses is prevented,” the advisory stated.
The Health ministry further said the disease surveillance network under Integrated Disease Survelliance Programme (IDSP) continues to “closely monitor” the evolving situation and any clustering of cases.
“The country is fully prepared to deal with such isolated travel-related cases and has robust measures in place to manage and mitigate any potential risk,” the Ministry issued a statement.
Health units at airports, seaports, and land crossings have been on alert for the infection since August, and laboratories and isolation facilities are also prepared.
The clade 1b variety, known for its higher transmissibility through close contact, has caused global concern, especially after recent outbreaks in Sweden and Africa.
Between 2022 and March 2024, India has recorded 30 cases of the older clade 2 strain.
Mpox cases mostly seen among males
As per WHO, most of the cases of mpox have been reported among males between 18 and 44 years.
How is mpox transmitting?
Sexual contact has been seen as the most commonly reported mode of transmission among the cases reported globally. This is followed by person-to-person non-sexual contact.
Common symptoms of mpox
Rash has been seen as the most common symptom of mpox which include systemic or genital rash which is followed by fever.
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