The central government has instructed airport, port, and border authorities to stay alert in response to the global increase in Mpox cases, according to sources.
Official sources told , “We have issued alerts to airports, ports, and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan. Three central hospitals—Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital—will be equipped with isolation facilities.”
Sources indicated that the Union Health Ministry recently held discussions with experts about the new virus, noting that it is different from the previously known Monkeypox virus. “We had a meeting with states and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) last week. Points of entry are on high alert. Mpox is a self-limiting virus with no correlation to COVID-19. Nodal officers are stationed at hospitals, and testing facilities are available at 32 ICMR centers. The symptoms of Mpox resemble those of chickenpox,” the sources added.
While Mpox is associated with a higher mortality rate, the likelihood of it affecting India significantly is low. The disease typically presents with rashes.
On Sunday, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, led a review meeting to evaluate the country’s preparedness for Mpox. Enhanced surveillance measures have been implemented to ensure timely detection and response.
The high-level meeting was informed that there have been no reported cases of Mpox in India so far. Current assessments suggest a low risk of a widespread outbreak with sustained transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern due to its spread in various parts of Africa. However, no travel advisories have been issued by the WHO at this time.