Union Health Ministry Alerts Airports and Borders on Mpox

The Union Health Ministry has directed airports and border authorities to stay alert for Mpox symptoms in international passengers. Three hospitals in Delhi have been designated as nodal centers for isolation and treatment. Surveillance and effective measures are being emphasized, though the risk of a large outbreak is low.

The Union Health Ministry has issued an alert to airports and border authorities on the watch for Mpox symptoms among incoming international passengers, as disclosed by official sources on Sunday.

Three Centre-run hospitals in Delhi—Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung, and Lady Hardinge—have been designated as nodal centers for isolation, management, and treatment of Mpox cases, according to the ministry. Authorities are also urging state governments to identify designated hospitals within their jurisdictions to handle potential cases.

Despite no current Mpox cases in India, a high-level review chaired by P K Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, emphasized enhancing surveillance and ensuring effective measures for prompt detection. The ministry has also called for an extensive awareness campaign among healthcare providers on the signs, symptoms, and protocols for Mpox prevention and treatment. Globally, 99,176 cases and 537 deaths have been reported since 2022, with 30 cases noted in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)