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Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad Launches New Isolation Ward with 14 Beds
Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad has been designated as the referral center for suspected monkeypox cases in Telangana. To address this ,the hospital has set up a specialized isolation ward featuring 14 beds. The ward is equipped to accommodate seven male and seven female patients, ensuring adequate and segregated care. This facility will play a crucial role in managing and containing suspected cases of monkeypox in the region.
B. Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, announced that the central government has supplied Telangana with 100 RT-PCR testing kits for monkeypox. These kits are now available at the testing lab of Gandhi Hospital. This addition enhances the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and manage suspected cases of monkeypox, contributing to the state’s efforts in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus.
On Monday, the Union health ministry reported that the risk of monkeypox spreading in India from Africa remains low, though isolated imported cases are possible. The Centre emphasized the importance of promptly reporting any patient exhibiting symptoms.
In preparation for potential developments, India is considering implementing large-scale testing measures if necessary. Additionally, on August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. This declaration underscores the global significance of monitoring and managing the disease to prevent further spread. The Indian government is taking proactive steps to ensure readiness and response to any potential cases while remaining vigilant about the evolving situation.
Common symptoms of monkeypox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions that last for two to four weeks, along with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. To confirm a diagnosis, PCR testing is performed on samples taken from skin lesions. This diagnostic method helps accurately identify the presence of the virus and distinguish it from other similar conditions.
Mpox infections usually resolve on their own within two to four weeks with supportive care. The virus is mainly spread through prolonged close contact with an infected person, often through sexual contact or direct exposure to bodily fluids and contaminated materials.
Dr. Jayalakshmi, Resident Medical Officer at Government Fever Hospital, stated that although no suspected monkeypox cases have been reported yet, the hospital has proactively set up an isolation ward to be ready for any potential cases. She noted, “Given that Fever Hospital handles the majority of fever cases in the region, we have set up this specialized ward as a preventive measure.” Dr. Jayalakshmi emphasized that the hospital’s approach is to stay prepared rather than to panic.
We are ready to manage any confirmed cases with the appropriate precautions and protocols in place,” she added. The proactive setup of the isolation ward reflects the hospital’s commitment to ensuring patient safety and efficient management of possible cases, while also reassuring the public that the facility is well-equipped to handle such health emergencies.
Dr. Raj Kumari, Superintendent of Gandhi Hospital, confirmed that the hospital has established a dedicated isolation ward for monkeypox. She added, “We are working to make sure that all necessary facilities are available at Gandhi Hospital as well.
The proactive measures demonstrate the state’s commitment to preventing the spread of monkeypox and ensuring that healthcare facilities are prepared to manage any cases that may emerge.
What is mpox and why has the WHO declared it a public health emergency
Key Points :
Mpox is a viral infection transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact. It causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills and muscle aches along with lesions that are filled with pus. According to the WHO a new offshoot of clade 1, referred to as clade 1b is believed to be responsible for the recent increase in cases.
The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years due to the outbreak spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries.
New cases of the virus have now been identified outside the continent in countries such as Thailand the Philippines, Sweden, and Pakistan.
Health officials are expressing concern as many new cases in Africa have been linked to a new and more dangerous strain known as clade 1b. This new strain has also been confirmed outside the continent, including in Thailand.
What is mpox ?
Mpox is a viral infection transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact. It leads to flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches, and also causes lesions filled with pus. Although the illness is typically mild, it has the potential to be fatal.
Mpox is generally categorized into two types, known as clades, with the latest outbreak identified as clade 1. This current strain seems to spread more easily and has a higher fatality rate compared to the 2022 strain, which is classified as clade 2.
It also seems to disproportionately affect young people, with the majority of deaths occurring among children.
Why are cases rising ?
According to the WHO, the recent increase in cases is attributed to a new offshoot of clade 1, designated as clade 1b.
The WHO reported that clade 1b is spreading from person to person, frequently through sexual contact. Although it was first identified in 2024, it is believed to have originated in the DRC around 2023.
In a statement on August 19, the health organization reported that the outbreak linked to clade 1b in the DRC mainly affects adults and is spreading swiftly. The transmission is primarily, though not exclusively, sustained through sexual contact. It is notably amplified within networks connected to commercial sex and sex workers.
Where are the cases?
In addition to the DRC, cases of clade 1b have also been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Thailand.
Clade 1 cases have been reported in the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, and Sweden.
Cases associated with the milder clade 2 have been reported in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
What does the WHO declaration mean?
The “public health emergency of international concern” status is the highest designation by the WHO. It is intended to expedite global public health measures and enhance international cooperation to control the spread of a disease. This designation helps mobilize resources and coordinate responses across countries to address the emergency effectively.
When the declaration was made on August 14, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized, “A coordinated international response is crucial to stopping these outbreaks and saving lives.
He added, “The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC and its emergence in neighboring countries that had not previously reported cases are deeply concerning. and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond are extremely concerning.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kluge dismissed comparisons between mpox and the coronavirus pandemic, noting that the risk to the general population is low.