The Union Health Ministry said on Friday that a young male patient who recently returned from a country with a monkeypox infection has been identified as a suspected case of the virus. The patient has been kept in isolation at a designated hospital and is said to be in stable condition. According to the Health Ministry, samples have been collected from the person and tests are being conducted to confirm the presence of monkeypox. The first case of monkeypox has been found in the country. At present, samples of the person have been taken and sent for examination. The report of further treatment is awaited.
The first case of monkeypox surfaced
The first suspected case of monkeypox was reported in the country on Sunday. According to information received from the Ministry of Health, a male patient had recently returned from a foreign trip and had returned from a country where there are cases of monkeypox. The person has been kept in isolation in the hospital and samples have been taken to confirm the presence of monkeypox. At present, the condition of the person is said to be stable.
Public Health Emergency Monkeypox
On August 14, WHO declared ‘Mpox’ as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). After which on August 17, Health Minister JP Nadda held a review meeting with senior officials of the Health Ministry to review the situation and preparations. However, according to the information given then, no cases of ‘Mpox’ had been found in India till then. The Government of India had started active measures to prevent and control the possible spread of the disease.
Monkeypox will not affect those who have been vaccinated against smallpox
About three weeks ago, the Health Ministry had held a meeting with all the states regarding MonkeyPox and asked them to be prepared to deal with it. Along with this, airports and hospitals have been alerted. Experts say that people who have been vaccinated against smallpox will not be affected by monkeypox. Safdarjung, RML and Lady Hardinge nodal hospitals have been made in Delhi, in which preparations have been made for isolation and treatment. An advisory has been issued to all the states by the Health Ministry on Monday. All the states have been asked to make people aware about the disease. Give information about its mode of spread, the need for timely reporting and preventive measures. But it is important to ensure that there is no unnecessary panic in the crowd. The ministry has asked to take the following steps.
Advisory given to states in Health Ministry
1. To widely disseminate guidelines for the management of chickenpox disease.
2. To act on updated CD-Alerts issued by NCDC.
3. Reviewing the preparedness of health facilities at the state and district levels.
4. Identify isolation facilities in hospitals and ensure availability of necessary material and trained human resources in them.
5. Orientation to all key stakeholders, including re-orientation to disease surveillance units on case definition, contact tracing and other surveillance activities.
AIIMS had also issued SOPs for patients regarding monkeypox 3 weeks ago. While giving information about monkeypox to the patients, AIIMS had told that it is a viral zoonosis, whose symptoms are similar to those seen in smallpox patients, although its symptoms are less severe.
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Screening in AIIMS SOP triage area
Patients with fever, rash or contact with infected monkeypox cases should be marked for immediate evaluation. Identify the key symptoms. Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue and characteristic skin lesions (maculopapular rash that may develop into vesicles and pustules).
isolation or holding area
AIIMS has said that suspected patients will be kept in isolation area so that contact with other patients and staff can be minimized. AB-7 beds number 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 have been marked for isolation of monkeypox patients. These beds will be allocated and treated for monkeypox patients on the recommendation of the Emergency CMO. AB-7 will remain a temporary holding room until the patient is transferred to the hospital for prescribed care (Safdarjung Hospital).
Information to IDSP
In case of identification of a suspected case of monkeypox, inform the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) officials on contact number 8745011784. Provide patient details, brief history, clinical findings and contact details.
Referral to Safdarjung Hospital
Safdarjung Hospital is authorised to manage and treat monkeypox patients. As such, any patient suspected of having monkeypox should be referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Patient Handling and Isolation
All patients should be handled with strict infection control measures. Staff should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with suspected cases.
Documentation and communication
Proper documentation of patient details, symptoms and referral process should be maintained. This protocol should be disseminated to all concerned departments and staff to ensure a coordinated and effective response to suspected monkeypox cases.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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