The statement read: “As per an earlier statement from WHO, globally since 2022 from 116 countries, 99,176 cases and 208 deaths had been reported due to Mpox.Subsequently, they have reported that Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last year, the reported cases increased significantly, and already the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 15, 600 cases and 537 deaths.”
The Principal Secretary has instructed an increase in surveillance and the implementation of effective measures for prompt case detection. He also directed that the network of testing laboratories be enhanced for early diagnosis, with 32 labs currently equipped for testing.
Additionally, Mishra highlighted the need to widely disseminate protocols for disease prevention and treatment. He stressed the importance of an awareness campaign for healthcare providers on recognizing symptoms and the necessity of timely notifications to the surveillance system.
According to the statement released, the health secretary announced that several measures have been implemented over the past week to address the situation:
- On August 12, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) organized a gathering of specialists to evaluate the potential risk posed to India.
- A Communicable Disease (CD) Alert on mpox issued earlier by the NCDC is being updated to capture the newer developments.
- Efforts have been made to raise awareness and prepare the medical personnel stationed at International Airports, which serve as the primary points of entry into the country.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from NITI Aayog, Health, Health Research, Disaster Management, and Home, as well as officers from other ministries.
Earlier on Saturday the Union health minister JP Nadda chaired a meeting with senior officials of the ministry to evaluate the monkeypox situation and country’s preparedness.
Mpox has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC this week, after the latest outbreak spread to 13 countries in Africa, including four new countries.
“Since the 2022 declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO, 30 cases were reported in India. The last case of Mpox was detected in March 2024. There are no reported cases of Monkeypox in India as of now,” the statement said.