Mpox Advisory: Health Secretary Advises States And UTs To Strengthen Preventive Measures | Key Details

T🤡he Indian government has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) on preventing and controlling Mpox. Health Secretary Apurva Chandra highlighted the need to implement key pub🌌lic health measures to curb the disease's spread across the country.

The advisory underscored the importance of educating the public on Mpox, including 🐽how it spreads and its symptoms. It urged states and UTs to actively engage communities, ensuring they understand the importance of timely reporting and preventive actions. "All states/UTs are requested to undertake appropriate activities to make communities aware about the disease," the adviso𓆏ry stated.

The health ministry reassured the public that strong testing infrastructure is in place, with approved PCR kits and 36 ICMR-supported laboratories nationwide available for early diagnosis. The advisory also called for preparedness actions such 🌱as designating isolation facilities in hospitals for suspected and confirmed cases, training healthcare staff, and ensuring logistical support.

Mpox Prevention: Key Measures

Isolate Suspected Cases

Suspected cases must be isolated immediately, with 🌄strict infection co𝐆ntrol practices in place.

Provide Symptomatic Treatment

Follow existing treatment guidelines, focusꦓing on symptom management for affected individuals.

Submit Samples for Testing

Ensure t💙hat samples from suspected cases are sent to designated laboratories for testing. Positive sampl𒐪es should be sent to ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to identify the Mpox clade.

Increase Public Awareness

States🎐 and UTs should promote understanding of Mpox, focusing on symptoms, transmission, and the need for prompt reporting.

Isolation Facilities

Hospitals should be equipped with proper isolation facilities for both susp🦹ected and confirmed cases, supporte🅘d by adequate logistics and trained personnel.

Enhance Diagnostic Capabilities

Utilize ICMR-approved labs and PCR kits for early detection and virus contaꦏinment.

Monitor Public Health Systems

Senior health officials should regularly evaluate public health preparedne꧒ss at the state and district levels.

Mpox Prevention: What to Avoid

Do Not Delay Reporting

Promptly report suspected cases to prevent furthﷺer spread; del🔯ays could worsen the situation.

Avoid Unnecessary Crowding

Only💫 admit symptomatic or isolation-requiring cases to prevent healthcare facilities from becoming overburdened.

Do Not Overlook Mild Cases

Even mild suspected cases should be tested and isolated if neceꦫs𓆉sary to prevent unnoticed transmission.

Avoid Panic

Public communication should focus on preventing mass panic by clearly explaining preventive mℱeasures.