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The Union Health Ministry in India has reassured the public that there are currently no reported cases of Monkeypox within the country. While cautionary measures are being put in place to prevent and control the spread of the disease, the ministry has assessed that the risk of a significant outbreak with sustained transmission remains low for India at present. This assessment comes despite the World Health Organization (WHO) once again declaring Monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14th, 2023. This declaration, however, is a reminder of the potential for imported cases, and the ministry acknowledges that the possibility of detecting a few such cases in the coming weeks cannot be entirely ruled out.
Since the WHO initially declared the Monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in 2022, India has reported a total of 30 cases. The last case was reported in March 2023, and the ministry continues to closely monitor the situation. The current low risk of a large outbreak is attributed to several factors, including the fact that the transmission of Monkeypox typically requires prolonged, close contact with an infected individual. Furthermore, the virus is usually transmitted through sexual contact, direct contact with body fluids or lesions, or exposure to contaminated clothing or linen. The ministry has emphasized that the majority of infections are self-limiting, with patients generally recovering within two to four weeks with supportive management.
In response to the WHO's declaration and the potential for imported cases, the Union Health Ministry has implemented a series of precautionary measures. These measures include: sensitizing health units at all airports, seaports, and ground crossings, ensuring readiness of 32 testing laboratories, and equipping health facilities to effectively detect, isolate, and manage any potential cases. This proactive approach demonstrates the ministry's commitment to preparedness and ensuring the safety of the Indian population. Despite the current low risk of a large outbreak, the ministry's actions reflect an understanding of the potential for the disease to spread and the importance of taking preventive measures to minimize any potential impact on public health.
Source: Health ministry reviews mpox situation, risk of large outbreak currently low for India