Union Health Secretary Issues Advisory on Mpox Precautions

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued an advisory to states and union territories on precautionary measures, symptoms, and causes of Mpox. No cases of Mpox have been reported in India. The advisory outlined public health actions to prevent potential cases or deaths due to Mpox.

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra on Monday issued an advisory to states and union territories regarding precautionary measures, symptoms, and causes of the WHO-declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Mpox. The advisory noted that India has not yet reported a single case of Mpox, but outlined key public health actions to prevent or minimize the risk of any cases or deaths.

The directive urged states to disseminate the Ministry's 'Guidelines for Management of Monkeypox Disease' and act on the updated CD-Alert on Mpox issued by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). States were also advised to review public health preparedness at both state and district health facilities, including identifying isolation facilities for suspect and confirmed cases.

The advisory highlighted that young males, particularly those aged around 34, are most affected by Mpox, with sexual transmission being the most common mode globally. About half of those infected are also living with HIV. Common symptoms include systemic or genital rashes, and fever. A suspected Mpox case was reported in Delhi in a recent international traveler, currently in isolation and stable. The Ministry stated it is prepared to manage and mitigate potential risks.

(With inputs from agencies.)