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With the recent surge in Mpox cases across the globe, Indian authorities are ramping up efforts to safeguard the nation's borders and ports of entry. In a proactive move, the central government has issued directives for heightened vigilance at airports, seaports, and land borders, particularly those shared with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan. This decision comes in the wake of growing concerns about the spread of Mpox, a virus that, while self-limiting, has been linked to severe health outcomes in some cases.
Increased Surveillance at Points of Entry
In response to the escalating global situation, the Union Health Ministry has taken decisive steps to ensure that India remains shielded from the potential threat of Mpox. According to official sources, key points of entry into the country, including airports and land borders, are now on high alert. This includes enhanced screening processes for travellers and the implementation of strict monitoring protocols to detect any potential cases of Mpox.
To further bolster the country's preparedness, three central hospitals—Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College—have been designated as primary centres for isolation and treatment. These facilities are equipped to handle suspected Mpox cases and provide specialized care if needed.
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Health Ministry's Strategy and Coordination
The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has been actively engaging with state health departments to align efforts in monitoring and managing the situation. During a recent meeting with state officials and health experts, the ministry underscored the importance of maintaining a state of readiness across all points of entry into the country. This coordinated approach aims to ensure that any potential cases are identified and contained swiftly, minimizing the risk of transmission.
"The virus is self-limiting and does not share a correlation with COVID-19," officials emphasized during the meeting. Unlike COVID-19, Mpox presents symptoms similar to those of chickenpox, primarily manifesting through rashes. Although the virus is considered self-limiting, meaning it typically resolves on its own, there is a noted potential for severe complications in some cases. However, experts have reassured that the likelihood of a widespread outbreak in India remains low.
Nodal Officers and Testing Facilities in Place
To support the containment efforts, nodal officers have been appointed at key hospitals across the country. These officers are responsible for overseeing the identification, isolation, and treatment of any suspected Mpox cases. Additionally, testing facilities have been made readily available at 32 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) centres nationwide. This extensive network of testing facilities ensures that suspected cases can be quickly confirmed or ruled out, allowing for a rapid response to any potential outbreaks.
National Preparedness and Global Context
India's preparedness efforts were further highlighted during a high-level review meeting led by PK Mishra, the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, which took place on Sunday, was convened to assess the nation's readiness to tackle any potential Mpox cases. During the briefing, it was reported that, as of now, no cases of Mpox have been detected in the country. The assessment also indicated that the risk of a large-scale outbreak with sustained transmission within India is currently low.
Despite the global rise in Mpox cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any travel advisories specific to Mpox at this time. However, the WHO has classified Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, reflecting its prevalence in various regions, particularly in parts of Africa.
Also Read: Parvovirus B19 On The Rise In The US; Know All About The Infection
Proactive Measures and Public Awareness
In light of these developments, the Indian government continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of Mpox within the country. Public awareness campaigns are being considered to educate the population about the symptoms of Mpox and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
Bottomline
As the global situation evolves, Indian authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the population. Through a combination of increased surveillance, strategic preparedness, and coordinated efforts across various levels of government, India aims to remain ahead of the curve in the fight against Mpox.