Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department has urged the public to remain calm as no cases of monkeypox (Mpox) have been reported in the state. The department reassured citizens that proactive measures are in place, even though Odisha does not have direct flight connections to the 14 countries currently affected by the virus.
In a statement, the H&FW department emphasized that all airports and port authorities across Odisha have been instructed to stay vigilant and follow the Government of India’s guidelines to prevent the spread of monkeypox. A high-level meeting at Lok Seba Bhavan, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, was held to review the state’s preparedness. Senior officials from the H&FW Department, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathy S., and representatives from Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda Airports, along with Paradip, Gopalpur, and Dhamra Ports, were present at the meeting.
The H&FW Commissioner informed attendees that three monkeypox cases have been detected in India—one each in Kerala and Delhi. Given the World Health Organization (WHO) classifying monkeypox as an international public health emergency, the Indian government has issued precautionary guidelines to all states, including Odisha.
Although there are no reported cases in Odisha, the department has advised district administrations to be ready for any potential outbreak. Laboratory testing facilities have been established at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, and necessary safety arrangements have been made at key airports and ports across the state.