Monkeypox Outbreak: India Takes Precautionary Measures Amid Global Concerns
Health Ministry’s Guidelines Focus on Surveillance and Containment
Amidst rising global concerns over monkeypox cases in non-endemic countries, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken proactive measures to tackle the potential threat. The Ministry has issued comprehensive guidelines directing district surveillance units to treat even a single monkeypox case as an outbreak and initiate an immediate and thorough investigation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
Rapid Identification and Prevention Strategies Emphasized
In the recently released ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease,’ the health ministry emphasizes the significance of robust surveillance and prompt identification of new cases as crucial public health measures for containing outbreaks. The guidelines underscore the need to minimize the risk of human-to-human transmission. Though India has not reported any cases of monkeypox virus to date, the increasing number of cases in non-endemic countries demands preparedness.
Surveillance Strategy and Confirmed Case Criteria Defined
The guidelines propose a comprehensive surveillance strategy to rapidly identify cases and clusters of infections, trace the sources of infections, and promptly isolate cases to prevent further transmission. Additionally, they advocate for optimal clinical care, identification, and management of contacts, and protection of frontline health workers. The criteria for a confirmed monkeypox case include laboratory confirmation through detection of unique sequences of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or sequencing.
Global Reach of Monkeypox
Monkeypox has been considered endemic in various central and western African countries, but recent times have seen its emergence in non-endemic countries such as the US, the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, and others. The health ministry is closely monitoring the situation, and it is crucial to understand that human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through respiratory droplets or contact with body fluids or lesion material. Animal-to-human transmission may occur through bites or scratches of infected animals.
Key Symptoms and Prevention Measures
The guidelines outline the incubation period of monkeypox, ranging from 5 to 21 days. The case fatality ratio has historically ranged from 0 to 11 per cent, with higher rates among young children. Early detection is vital, and individuals with a history of travel to affected countries, presenting with an unexplained acute rash and symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, headaches, body aches, and weakness, are to be considered as suspected cases.
Precautionary Measures Recommended
The guidelines highlight the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while collecting specimens and emphasize the importance of isolation for confirmed cases. Supportive management measures, including medication for fever and itching, warm saline gargles for oral ulcers, and a nutritious diet, are also recommended.