Amid rising Mpox (Monkeypox) cases globally, including in neighbouring Pakistan, India on Sunday reported its suspected first case at a designated hospital here. The Union Health Ministry said that there is no cause for any undue concern.
The patient, a young male with recent travel history to an affected African nation, is stable and in isolation, said the Ministry in a statement here. Testing is underway to confirm the diagnosis, and contact tracing is being conducted to identify potential sources and assess the situation.
“The patient has been isolated in a designated hospital and is currently stable,” said the Ministry.
Mpox, a viral disease, is caused by the monkeypox virus.
“Samples from the patient are being tested to confirm the presence of Mpox. The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country,” said the Ministry.
Following reports of Mpox-positive cases globally particularly in neighboring countries Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), the Centre has issued an alert while designating three hospitals in Delhi as nodal centers for Mpox. Surveillance at borders and airports has been enhanced.
At the Lady Hardinge Medical College, RML Hospital, and Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi isolation wards have been established to treat and monitor Mpox patients. Any patient testing positive for Mpox, can be admitted to these hospitals.
In addition, at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, five beds have been reserved for suspected monkeypox cases. If any patient shows symptoms of Mpox or is suspected of having it, they will be shifted to these beds for treatment.
The World Health Organisation in August declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern, which is twice in two years.
There are vaccines available for Mpox, and vaccination should be considered along with other public health interventions. Common symptoms of Mpox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions that can last 2-4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with someone who has the virus, contaminated materials, or infected animals. During pregnancy, the virus may be transmitted to the foetus or to the newborn during or after birth.
The first announcement of the global outbreak was made in 2022 when cases began to be reported worldwide. With 122 countries reporting more than 99,518 confirmed cases and 208 deaths, Mpox is emerging as a major global health threat. Pakistan is also witnessing the spread of this virus, with 11 confirmed cases and one death reported since the initial detection
