Monkeypox Virus Outbreak: recently, World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared the surge in ampox cases as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), highlighting the need for a coordinated international response to the global nature of the outbreak. The declaration comes after Africa has recorded over 15,000 suspected and confirmed cases and 537 deaths this year, more than the total number of deaths in 2023. Following the declaration of a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation, India has been taking proactive steps to prevent the entry and spread of the disease.

India on high alert for MPox

On Monday, Pakistani authorities reported a suspected case of ampox in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The 47-year-old PoK resident had recently returned from Jeddah and was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Symptoms of AmpoxHence a tight surveillance system has been put in place at airports and land borders, especially those shared with Bangladesh and Pakistan. Three hospitals in Delhi, reportedly Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, have been designated as treatment centres, with similar facilities planned for other states. The government is also emphasising on public awareness, healthcare worker training and laboratory capacity building to prevent a potential outbreak.

Additionally, India has expanded its testing capacity to 32 laboratories across the country, ensuring early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While the current risk of a widespread outbreak in India is low, the Government is committed to maintaining a high level of vigilance and preparedness.

Africa: The epicenter of the outbreak

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the virus has been endemic for decades, is considered the epicenter of the current epidemic. Ampox outbreakA new cluster of the virus is spreading rapidly. Neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, have also reported cases linked to the DRC outbreak. While most cases are concentrated in Africa, the virus has also been found in countries outside the continent.

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