No Mpox case in India while PMO advises ‘enhanced surveillance’
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PMO calls for ‘enhanced surveillance’ against MPox
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, August 18: Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Sunday reviewed the situation emerging out of the Mpox. The government will focus on “enhanced surveillance”.
“Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of preparedness for Mpox in the country and related public health measures,” said the PMO in a media statement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has again declared Mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 14th August 2024 in view of its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa. “As per an earlier statement from WHO, globally since 2022 from 116 countries, 99,176 cases and 208 deaths had been reported due to Mpox,” said the PMO.
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Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Last year, the reported cases increased significantly, and already the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 15, 600 cases and 537 deaths,” added the PMO in the statement.
Since the 2022 declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO, 30 cases were reported in India, said the PMO, adding: “The last case of Mpox was detected in March 2024.”
The high-level meeting was briefed that as of now, there is no reported case of Mpox in the country. “As per the present assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low,” added the PMO in the statement.
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Principal Secretary to Prime Minister was informed that Mpox infections are generally self-limiting lasting between 2-4 weeks; Mpox patients usually recover with supportive medical care and management.
Mpox transmission happens through prolonged and close contact with an infected patient. It happens largely through the sexual route, direct contact with body/lesion fluid of the patient, or through the contaminated clothing/linen of an infected person.
The Health Secretary informed the PMO about steps taken in the last one week — A meeting of experts was convened by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on 12th August, 2024 to assess the risk for India; A Communicable Disease (CD) Alert on Mpox issued earlier by the NCDC is being updated to capture the newer developments; Sensitization of the health teams at International Airports (Ports of Entry) has been undertaken.
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The Director General Health Services (DGHS) held a video conference on Sunday morning with more than 200 participants. “The health authorities at state level including the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units in the States and at the Ports of Entry, etc., were sensitized in this regard,” informed the health ministry.
Mishra directed that surveillance be enhanced and effective measures be taken for prompt detection of cases. He further directed that the testing laboratories network should be geared up for early diagnosis. Presently 32 labs are equipped for testing.
He 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 amongst the healthcare providers regarding the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system,” said the PMO in the statement.
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