The Union Health Ministry on Friday said that a young male patient who recently returned from a country infected with monkeypox has been identified as a suspected case of the virus. The patient has been kept in isolation at a designated hospital and is said to be stable. According to the health ministry, samples have been collected from the person and are being tested to confirm the presence of MPox. The first case of monkeypox has been discovered in the country. At present, a sample of the person has been collected and sent for investigation. Further treatment reports are awaited.
The first case of monkeypox appeared
The first suspected case of monkeypox was reported in the country on Sunday. According to information received from the Ministry of Health, a male patient recently returned to the country after a trip abroad and returned from a country where there are cases of monkeypox. The man is currently being kept in isolation at the hospital and samples have been taken to confirm the presence of monkeypox. At present, the person’s condition appears to be stable.
monkeypox public health emergency
On 14 August, MPOX was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO. Following this, on 17 August, Health Minister JP Nadda held a meeting with senior officials of the Health Ministry to review the situation and preparedness. However, as per the information provided at the time, no case of MPOX had been found in India so far. Proactive measures were taken by the Indian government to prevent and control the possible spread of the disease.
Also read:Suspected monkeypox case found in India, should vaccine be given immediately?
Monkeypox will not do anything to people vaccinated against smallpox.
About three weeks ago, the Health Ministry held a meeting with all states regarding MonkeyPox and asked them to be prepared to deal with it. Along with this, airports and hospitals have been alerted. Experts say that people who have been vaccinated against smallpox will not be affected by monkeypox. Safdarjung, RML and Lady Hardinge nodal hospitals have been built in Delhi, in which preparations have been made for isolation and treatment. An advisory was issued by the Health Ministry to all states on Monday. All states have been asked to create awareness about the disease. Provide information about its mode of spread, timely reporting and the need for preventive measures. But it is important to ensure that there is no unnecessary panic in the crowd. The ministry has asked to take the following measures.
Advice given to States within the Ministry of Health
1. Widely disseminate guidelines for the management of mumps disease.
2. Take action on the updated CD alert issued by NCDC.
3. Review the preparedness of health facilities at state and district levels.
4. Identify isolation facilities in hospitals and ensure availability of necessary equipment and trained human resources.
5. Orientation of all key stakeholders, including reorientation of disease surveillance units on case definition, contact tracing and other surveillance activities.
AIIMS had also issued SOPs for patients regarding monkeypox 3 weeks ago. While giving information about monkeypox to patients, AIIMS said that it is a viral zoonosis whose symptoms are similar to those seen in smallpox patients, though its symptoms are less severe.
Screening of AIIMS SOPs in the triage area
Patients with fever, rash, or exposure to infected monkeypox should be immediately identified for evaluation. Identify the main symptoms. Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and specific skin lesions (maculopapular rash that may develop into vesicles and pustules).
Isolation or detention area
AIIMS said that it will keep suspected patients in an isolation area. This way, contact with other patients and staff can be reduced. AB-7 beds number 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 have been marked for the isolation of monkeypox patients. These beds will be allotted to monkeypox patients on the recommendation of the Emergency CMO and they will be treated. AB-7 will remain a temporary waiting room till the patient is shifted to the hospital for scheduled treatment (Safdarjung Hospital).
Information for IDSPs
If a suspected case of monkeypox is identified, inform the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) officials on contact number 8745011784. Provide patient details, brief history, clinical findings and contact details.
Referral to Safdarjung Hospital
Safdarjung Hospital has been authorized to manage and treat monkeypox patients. In such a situation, any patient suspected of having monkeypox should be referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Patient handling and isolation
All patients should be treated with strict infection control measures. Staff should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating suspected cases.
Documentation and communication
Proper documentation of patient details, symptoms and referral process should be maintained. This protocol should be disseminated to all relevant departments and personnel to ensure a coordinated and effective response to suspected cases of monkeypox.
Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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