Centre advises states to screen, test all Mpox suspects

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Rajni

North News

New Delhi, September 9

Following the detection of India’s first suspected Mpox case on September 8, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has advised the states and Union Territories to bolster public health preparedness. This includes increased screening and testing of suspected cases. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued an advisory outlining Mpox symptoms, causes, and precautionary measures. The advisory stressed the importance of identifying isolation facilities for suspected and confirmed cases.

States have been advised to conduct orientation sessions, particularly for healthcare workers in skin and STD clinics, to improve awareness of Mpox symptoms and response measures. Surveillance units at both the state and district levels are being reinforced to enable effective contact tracing. Although India has not yet confirmed any Mpox cases, the ministry is closely monitoring the situation. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has strengthened its laboratory network for testing samples, while State AIDS Control Societies have been alerted to promote timely reporting and enhance community awareness.