According to the statement published by PIB, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the MPox situation following its designation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024. Dr P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a high-level meeting to review the country’s preparedness and public health measures related to MPox.
The WHO’s recent declaration of MPox as a PHEIC reflects the disease’s ongoing prevalence and spread, particularly in parts of Africa. As of the latest WHO report, there have been 99,176 cases and 208 deaths globally since 2022, spanning 116 countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, MPox cases have increased significantly, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year alone. India has recorded 30 cases since the 2022 declaration, with the last case detected in March 2024.
The high-level meeting was informed that there are currently no reported cases of MPox in India. The assessment indicates that the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission in the country is low. MPox infections are typically self-limiting and last between two to four weeks, with patients generally recovering with supportive medical care. Transmission occurs through prolonged close contact with an infected person, often via sexual contact, direct contact with bodily fluids or lesions, or contaminated clothing.
The Health Secretary reported several actions taken over the past week: a meeting of experts convened by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12, 2024, to assess the risk for India; an update to the Communicable Disease (CD) alert issued by the NCDC; and sensitisation of health teams at international airports.
Additionally, a video conference was held by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) with over 200 participants, including state-level health authorities and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units. Dr P. K. Mishra directed that surveillance be enhanced and measures for prompt case detection be implemented. He also called for the testing laboratory network, currently consisting of 32 labs, to be prepared for early diagnosis.
Dr Mishra emphasised the dissemination of prevention and treatment protocols and a public awareness campaign to educate healthcare providers about the disease’s signs and symptoms and the importance of timely reporting. The meeting was attended by various officials, including Dr V.K. Paul, Apurva Chandra, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Krishna S Vatsa, Sanjay Jaju, and Govind Mohan, along with officers from other ministries.