The rapid spread of the monkeypox virus worldwide has prompted swift action from both the state and central governments. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has issued a statement addressing the situation.
Health Minister Patel announced that the central government has released an advisory on the virus, with measures including airport surveillance. The state government is aligning its actions with this advisory.
Prime Minister Modi’s Principal Secretary, PK Mishra, conducted a review meeting on Sunday to review the preparations.
Although no cases of monkeypox have been reported in India so far, the central government has ordered precautionary measures. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency due to its spread in many parts of Africa.
According to WHO, over 99,000 cases have been reported in 116 countries since 2022, with more than 200 fatalities. The last reported case in India was in March 2024. Despite the absence of new cases, suspected patients will be monitored and airports have been instructed to take precautions.
Sources indicate that hospitals have been directed to identify and care for patients exhibiting rashes and to prepare isolation wards. After African countries, Sweden and now Pakistan, have also reported cases of MonkeyPox.
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