Mpox Sparks Increased Vigilance in India Amid Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently intensified its response to Mpox, officially designating it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration has prompted the Union Health Ministry of India to heighten vigilance across the country, especially at major entry points such as airports and land ports.

Despite the absence of Mpox cases within India, the government is taking proactive measures to prevent any potential outbreak. The Ministry has instructed officials at airports and border crossings with Bangladesh and Pakistan to be extra cautious, as reports from Sweden and Pakistan indicate cases of Mpox outside Africa.

In response to the growing concern, the Indian government has designated Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital as primary facilities for the isolation and treatment of Mpox patients. Furthermore, the Centre has directed state governments to identify similar hospitals within their jurisdictions to manage any potential cases.

On August 14, 2024, the WHO reaffirmed its PHEIC declaration, citing the disease's widespread impact across Africa. Global figures from WHO reveal a staggering 99,176 Mpox cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries since 2022. The Democratic Republic of Congo has been particularly hard hit, reporting over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths this year alone.

In India, there have been 30 reported Mpox cases since the WHO's initial 2022 declaration, with the most recent case detected in March 2024. Current assessments suggest that while the risk of a large-scale outbreak remains low, authorities are not taking any chances. The Health Ministry has highlighted the importance of enhancing surveillance and improving diagnostic capabilities. To this end, 32 laboratories across the country are now equipped to test for Mpox, with ongoing efforts to ensure rapid and accurate detection.

Adding to the global concern, Sweden's Public Health Agency recently reported its first Mpox case linked to the Clade 1b subclade, marking a significant development as it is the first instance of this variant being identified outside Africa.

The situation remains under close watch, and the Indian government continues to implement stringent measures to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of Mpox.