The previously suspected case of Mpox (monkeypox) has been verified as a travel-related infection, confirmed the Health Ministry on Monday (September 9, 2024)
“Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of Mpox virus of the West African clade 2 in the patient. This case is an isolated case, like the earlier 30 cases reported in India from July 2022 onwards and is not a part of the current public health emergency (reported by WHO) which is regarding clade 1 of Mpox,’’ the Ministry added.
The individual, a young male who recently traveled from a country experiencing ongoing Mpox transmission, is currently isolated at a designated tertiary care isolation facility. The patient remains clinically stable and is without any systemic illness or comorbidities, noted the Ministry, while stating that the case aligns with earlier risk assessments and continues to be managed according to established protocols.
Public health measures, including contact tracing and monitoring, are actively in place to ensure the situation is contained. There is no indication of any widespread risk to the public at this time, says the Ministry.
Mode of transmission
Most cases during this current outbreak of Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) are among young males with a median age of 34 years (range 18 - 44 years), with the most common mode of transmission reported globally being sexual contact, followed by person-to-person non-sexual contact. Among cases where at least one symptom is reported, the most common symptom is rash (including systemic or genital rash), followed by fever.
Around half (51.9%) of cases with available information on their HIV status are reported to be in persons living with HIV, said the Health Ministry, stating that this information has been shared by the World Health Organisation on the trends for the current spread.
The Ministry, following a suspected case under investigation in India, has now written to all States and union territories directing that healthcare workers, especially those working in skin/STD clinics/NACO clinics, should be made aware about common signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, actions to be undertaken following detection of a case, including isolation, clinical management of cases, treatment of complications etc. while following the due protocols.
Also read | Centre advises States to screen, test all suspect mpox cases
“WHO announced that the current outbreak of Mpox disease is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This is the second such Mpox disease associated with PHEIC that has been declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations, 2005, to which India is a signatory. As highlighted by WHO, this decision has been taken after the continuously rising trend of Mpox cases in Democratic Republic of Congo, especially since the last 6 months, spread of cases to newer east African countries/territories (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda), which reported their first Mpox cases, and emergence of a new clade (mutant variant) of Mpox (Clade Ib) virus, and its spread in several neighbouring countries,’‘ said Health Secretary Apurva Chandra in his communication.
Moderate risk
He added that as per the latest situational update, WHO has highlighted that the risk of spread of current outbreak beyond Africa is moderate.
“The Health Ministry continues to closely monitor the evolving situation. The disease surveillance network under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme continues to monitor for any clustering of cases. Health units at points of entry (airports) have been instructed to strengthen health screening of incoming travellers to detect any suspect case. The laboratory network under the Indian Council of Medical Research has also been strengthened to test samples from any suspect cases. Further, considering the disease epidemiology, State AIDS control societies are requested to be kept on alert to pick up on suspect cases and improve community awareness on the issue to promote timely reporting of cases,” the Health Ministry said.
It has directed the screening and testing of all suspect cases in the community either through hospital-based surveillance and targeted surveillance or intervention sites identified by NACO for female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) population.
Healthcare facilities have been instructed that there has to be intensive and clear risk communication directed at healthcare workers posted at identified sites in health facilities (such as skin, paediatric OPDs, immunisation clinics, intervention sites identified by NACO etc.) as well in community about simple preventive strategies and need for prompt reporting of cases.
“While all States are requested to undertake appropriate activities to make communities aware about the disease, its mode of spread, need for timely reporting and preventive measures, it is crucial that any undue panic among the masses is prevented,’‘ the Ministry added.
Published - September 09, 2024 06:31 pm IST
