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New Delhi, 18th August 2024: In response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of Monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 14th August 2024, the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, convened a high-level meeting today to review the current Monkeypox situation and India’s preparedness.
As of now, there have been no reported cases of Monkeypox in India. However, the Union Health Minister emphasized the need for caution and proactive measures to prevent any potential outbreak. During the meeting, it was decided to implement a series of precautionary actions to ensure the country’s readiness in managing the disease.
Key Measures to be Implemented:
- Enhanced Surveillance at Points of Entry: Health units at airports, seaports, and land border crossings will be sensitized and strengthened to detect and manage any suspected cases of Monkeypox among international travelers.
- Testing Capacity Ready: A network of 32 testing laboratories across the country has been put on high alert, ensuring swift diagnosis in case of any suspected Monkeypox cases.
- Healthcare Facility Preparedness: Hospitals and clinics are being geared up to promptly detect, isolate, and manage any cases that may arise, with a focus on minimizing the risk of transmission.
During the review, it was noted that Monkeypox infections are typically self-limiting, lasting between 2 to 4 weeks, with patients often recovering with supportive care. The virus primarily spreads through prolonged close contact, typically via sexual transmission, direct contact with bodily fluids, or contaminated clothing and linens of an infected person.
Global Context and India’s Vigilance: Monkeypox has been a concern since WHO’s initial PHEIC declaration in July 2022, which was later revoked in May 2023. Since the global outbreak in 2022, WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries. India had reported 30 cases between 2022 and March 2024, with no new cases since then.
A Joint Monitoring Group Meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services and attended by experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), WHO, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and other relevant bodies, was held on 16th August 2024. The experts assessed that while the possibility of detecting a few imported cases in the coming weeks exists, the risk of a widespread outbreak in India remains low.
Minister Nadda assured that the situation is being closely monitored, and the Ministry is prepared to act swiftly should the need arise.
As the global health community remains vigilant, India stands committed to safeguarding public health through coordinated efforts and robust preparedness.
