Fri Sep 27 17:19:41 UTC 2024: ## India Issues Advisory on Mpox Prevention Amidst Global Health Emergency

The Indian government has issued a nationwide advisory to all states and union territories, urging them to take immediate steps to prevent and control the spread of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The advisory comes on the heels of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding the current Mpox outbreak.

This is the second time the WHO has declared a PHEIC for Mpox, with the current outbreak linked to a more virulent and transmissible strain than the one seen in 2022. The advisory emphasizes the need for increased public awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and methods of transmission. It also stresses the importance of timely reporting of suspected cases.

The advisory outlines key measures for states and union territories to implement:

* **Public Awareness:** Promote awareness campaigns about Mpox, its symptoms, transmission, and the importance of early reporting.
* **Isolation:** Isolate all suspected cases immediately, implementing stringent infection prevention measures.
* **Isolation Facilities:** Ensure adequate isolation facilities are available in hospitals for both suspected and confirmed cases, with proper logistics and trained staff.
* **Symptomatic Treatment:** Follow current treatment guidelines, focusing on symptomatic management.
* **Sample Testing:** Send samples from suspected cases to designated labs for testing. Positive cases should be sent to ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to identify the Mpox clade.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Utilize ICMR-approved labs and PCR kits for early detection and containment.
* **Public Health Infrastructure Monitoring:** Senior health officials should frequently review public health preparedness at state and district levels.

The advisory also urges authorities to avoid panic by ensuring clear communication and proper preventive measures. Delayed reporting of suspected cases could lead to further spread, so swift action is crucial.

The advisory further emphasizes the importance of admitting only symptomatic cases or those needing isolation to prevent overburdening health facilities. All suspected cases, even mild ones, should be tested and isolated if necessary to prevent undetected transmission.

This advisory serves as a call to action for India, aiming to prevent a widespread outbreak of Mpox and safeguard public health.

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