Public Health Director Issues Precautionary Measures Amid Rising Monkeypox Cases

Bhubaneswar: With Monkeypox (Mpox) cases on the rise both globally and in India, Public Health Director Dr. Niranjan Mishra has issued new precautionary guidelines to manage the situation effectively. These measures are specifically designed for Points of Entry (PoEs), such as airports, seaports, and land borders, to ensure swift detection and containment of the disease.

The newly established protocols at PoEs include the following key actions:

1. Health Desks for International Travelers: Special health desks will be set up at airports, seaports, and land borders to monitor travelers, particularly those arriving from countries with confirmed or suspected Mpox cases. Passengers exhibiting symptoms such as fever, significant weakness, or unexplained rashes who have traveled to affected regions within the last 21 days will be classified as high-risk.
2. Isolation of Suspected Cases: Individuals suspected of having Mpox will be isolated in designated transit facilities at PoEs. These cases will be promptly reported to the State or District Surveillance Officers under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
3. Infection Control: Rigorous infection control measures will be implemented when handling suspected cases to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
4. Transfer to Isolation Facilities: Suspected patients will be transported to designated referral hospitals using specialized ambulances arranged by the State/District IDSP team.
5. Lab Testing: Samples from suspected cases will be sent to designated laboratories, including AIIMS Bhubaneswar, for confirmation of the disease.
6. Contact Tracing: Upon confirmation of a case, PoEs will provide contact lists to the State/District IDSP team for immediate follow-up and monitoring of potential exposures.
7. Self-Reporting Format: A standardized self-reporting format will be utilized across referral hospitals and PoEs to streamline the reporting process.
8. Helpline: For any queries or further assistance, individuals can contact the NCDC helpline at (+91) 011-23909348.
9. Role of Immigration and Airlines: Immigration staff and PoE operators are instructed to fully support health officials. Reports of sick passengers must be promptly communicated to the Airport/Port Health Officer (APHO/PHO).

These measures are intended to bolster Mpox surveillance and response efforts, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to prevent the spread of the disease across borders. The coordinated approach aims to safeguard public health by facilitating early detection, efficient isolation, and comprehensive follow-up of suspected cases.