Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is increasingly becoming a concern in India. Following a suspected case, the central government has issued an advisory. The Health Ministry has advised screening of suspected cases and contact tracing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already expressed concern about mpox, which has caused hundreds of deaths worldwide.
According to media reports, the Central Health Ministry issued the advisory on Monday, calling for increased screening for viral infections and ongoing monitoring of the situation. However, officials have reassured the public, stating that the country is well-prepared to handle travel-related isolation cases.
Suspected Case in Delhi
On Sunday, the Health Ministry reported a suspected mpox case involving an individual who had recently returned to India from abroad. The patient has been isolated in a hospital and is in stable condition. The ministry stated that tests are being conducted to confirm the presence of mpox.
The ministry added, “The case is being managed according to established protocols, and efforts are ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country.” The government emphasized that this situation aligns with previous risk assessments conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and there is no need for unnecessary concern.
Also Read: How to Handle Your Mental Health All Alone
Last month, mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for the second time, as it has spread to several regions in Africa. Since the WHO declared it a PHEIC in 2022, India has reported 30 cases of the disease, with the last case detected in March this year.
According to WHO data, since 2022, 99,176 mpox cases have been reported across 116 countries, with 208 deaths. The number of cases this year has already surpassed the total number from last year, reflecting a significant increase in infections.