Low Risk of Mpox Surge in India Despite WHO Alert

The risk of a surge in Mpox infection in India is currently very low, and there is no need to panic, the health ministry reported. The last monkeypox case in India was reported in Kerala in March 2023. Authorities may issue guidelines to entry points like airports and seaports to remain vigilant.

The risk of a surge in Mpox infection in India is very low at present, according to sources from the health ministry. This follows the World Health Organization's (WHO) announcement that the disease is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

Official records indicate that the last reported case of monkeypox in India was from Kerala in March this year. Since 2022, 30 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported in the country.

The health ministry may soon advise points of entry such as airports and seaports to stay vigilant and manage suspected monkeypox cases according to established isolation and treatment guidelines. Union Health Minister J P Nadda is scheduled to meet with officials from the ministry, NCDC, and ICMR on Saturday to discuss the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)