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Maharashtra health dept issues guidelines for prevention to effectively manage the risk of monkeypox it’s crucial to implement all surveillance measures at airports and ports. This includes setting up monitoring systems to identify and screen travelers who may be showing symptoms of the virus. Additionally establish dedicated facilities equipped for the isolation and treatment of suspected cases to ensure prompt and appropriate care. These measures will help prevent the spread of the disease and safeguard public health.
Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of monkeypox as a global health emergency the state public health department released new guidelines on Monday. These guidelines focus on enhanced surveillance and effective management of the disease to address and control potential outbreaks.
Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, the joint director of health services stated that even a single infected patient is deemed an outbreak of monkeypox. Consequently each case should be investigated promptly by a rapid response team.
He emphasized that laboratory samples from suspected patients should be sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. Additionally it is crucial to conduct a thorough survey of every individual who has been in close contact with the infected patient.
On Sunday the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare convened a meeting and issued instructions to states regarding surveillance, prevention, and control measures. All local bodies, including municipal corporations, municipal councils, and district health authorities, are instructed to adhere strictly to these guidelines.
In cities with international airports or ports the health department should maintain regular coordination with airport and port health officers. Surveillance for monkeypox must be implemented at these locations and facilities should be established for the isolation and treatment of suspected cases.Additionally hospital-based surveillance should target the dermatology, venereology, medicine, and pediatric departments in each hospital.
According to officials monkeypox patients should be placed in an isolation ward or a separate room at home with adequate ventilation. The patient must wear a triple-layer mask at all times. Skin lesions should be properly covered, and the patient should wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants to help prevent the spread of infection.
The patient must remain in isolation until the skin lesions are completely healed and the crusts have fallen off. Treatment should be tailored to the symptoms and the patient should ensure they remain well-hydrated.
Immediate expert consultation is essential and hospitalization may be required if the patient experiences complications such as eye pain or blurred vision difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness or seizures, reduced urine output, inability to consume food or water orally, or extreme fatigue.
Dr. Pawar, who leads the vector-borne diseases control program in the state stated that anyone who comes into contact with a monkeypox patient from the onset of symptoms until the skin lesions have fully healed should be cautious.
Close contact includes face-to-face interaction without protective gear, such as when healthcare workers (e.g., doctors, nurses) are not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as physical contact, sexual contact, or handling the patient’s used clothing and bedding .
Identifying close contacts of monkeypox patients needs to be done with great care. Close contacts should be monitored daily for 21 days from their last exposure to the patient. If they develop a fever, a laboratory sample should be collected for testing. Additionally during these 21 days, even in the absence of symptoms, close contacts should avoid donating blood, organs, or other items. School-aged children who have been in close contact with the patient should remain at home during this monitoring period,” said Dr. Pawar.
According to the WHO in the current series of outbreaks Europe is experiencing chains of transmission for the first time that have no known epidemiological connections to West or Central Africa.
The WHO declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022 and lifted the designation in May 2023. Since 2022, the WHO has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths from monkeypox across 116 countries.
Since the WHO’s declaration in 2022 India has reported a total of 30 monkeypox cases with the most recent case occurring in March 2024, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.
Monkeypox is a contagious disease but there’s no need to panic. Citizens should stay vigilant and follow the guidance from the public health department. If you suspect any symptoms or cases, promptly contact the nearest government health facility,” advised Amgothu Shri Ranga Nayak, Commissioner of Health Services and Managing Director of the National Health Mission.
Maharashtra health dept issues guidelines for prevention
According to officials, monkeypox patients should be isolated in a designated ward or a separate room at home with adequate ventilation. The patient should always wear a triple-layer mask, cover any skin lesions properly and wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants to prevent the spread of infection.
What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that exhibits symptoms similar to smallpox though it is generally less severe. It was first identified in 1958 among colonies of monkeys used in research.
Symptoms
Symptoms of monkeypox include enlarged glands , fever, headache, body aches, and significant weakness. The disease is typically self-limiting with symptoms lasting between two to four weeks.
Preventive steps
Suspected patients should be isolated immediately. Avoid direct contact with the patient’s clothes, bedding, or items they have used. Maintain good hand hygiene and wash hands frequently. Healthcare workers treating monkeypox patients must use PPE kits to protect themselves.
New strain discovered, four more countries report cases
Last week a new variant of the mpox virus was discovered in Sweden. Officials have stated that the risk to the general public remains “low but they expect “sporadic imported cases” to continue according to AP. Additionally scientists are worried about a new variant identified in Congo that might be more easily transmitted.
This new variant is linked to milder symptoms and lesions that mainly affect the genitals unlike earlier outbreaks where lesions were predominantly on the chest, hands, and feet. This shift in symptom presentation makes detection more challenging and raises the risk of unnoticed transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported the first cases of mpox in four East African countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—connected to the ongoing epidemic in Congo.
High-level surveillance and preparation underway
Preparedness for mpox was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by P.K. Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Enhanced surveillance and prompt detection measures have been implemented at airports and borders.
Preventive measures have been established, and treatment protocols are being communicated through awareness campaigns. Healthcare providers are instructed to educate the public about mpox symptoms and prevention methods. They are also directed to take swift action and respond appropriately if a case is identified.