Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has issued a critical advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) in India, urging them to implement essential public health measures aimed at preventing and reducing the spread of Mpox (previously known as monkeypox). The advisory underscores the need for increased public awareness regarding the disease, its transmission routes, and the significance of timely reporting.
The key components of the advisory include:
Essential Actions for States and UTs:
1. Enhance Public Awareness: Actively educate communities about Mpox, including its symptoms, modes of transmission, and the importance of timely reporting.
2. Isolate Suspected Cases: Any suspected Mpox cases should be isolated promptly, with strict infection control measures enforced.
3. Establish Isolation Facilities: Hospitals must be prepared with sufficient isolation facilities for both suspected and confirmed cases, ensuring proper logistics and trained personnel.
4. Symptomatic Treatment: Follow the latest treatment guidelines with a focus on managing symptoms effectively.
5. Send Samples for Testing: Samples from patients exhibiting Mpox symptoms must be sent to designated laboratories. Positive cases should have samples forwarded to the ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to determine the Mpox clade.
6. Strengthen Diagnostic Capabilities: Leverage ICMR-approved labs and PCR kits to ensure early detection and containment of the virus.
7. Monitor Public Health Infrastructure: Senior health officials should regularly assess public health readiness at both state and district levels.
Key Recommendations to Avoid:
1. Prevent Panic: Ensure clear communication regarding preventive measures to avoid mass panic.
2. Timely Reporting: Quick reporting of suspected cases is crucial to prevent further transmission, so it is important to act swiftly.
3. Manage Facility Crowding: Only admit patients with symptoms or those needing isolation to avoid overwhelming health facilities.
4. Test All Suspected Cases: Do not neglect mild cases; all suspected instances must be tested and isolated if necessary to curb unnoticed spread.
The Health Ministry reassured that robust testing capabilities are in place, with 36 ICMR-supported labs across the country and approved PCR kits available to facilitate early diagnosis. To ensure readiness, the advisory outlines necessary steps, including identifying isolation facilities in hospitals for suspected and confirmed Mpox cases, ensuring logistic support, and training healthcare workers. The emphasis is on maintaining calm within the public while enhancing health infrastructure to manage any potential outbreaks effectively.
