Due to the rapid increase in Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) cases worldwide and several infections reported in neighboring Pakistan, the central government of India has issued an alert at airports and border areas.
The government has released guidelines instructing officials to take precautions to prevent the virus from entering the country.
It emphasized the need to immediately quarantine individuals arriving from abroad who show symptoms of Mpox.
Special arrangements have been made at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital to handle Mpox cases, including setting up quarantine facilities and treatment centers.
Additionally, the government has equipped 32 laboratories across the country with the necessary facilities to conduct virus detection tests.
Since 2022, India has reported 30 Mpox cases. However, the variant currently spreading in other countries has not yet been detected in India.
In response, the central government has instructed state and union territory governments to remain vigilant and ensure hospitals are prepared to treat any identified cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that while Mpox was initially confined to Africa, it has now spread to several countries globally.
The organization has also highlighted significant genetic mutations in the virus, leading to increased transmission, and has declared Mpox a global pandemic, urging nations worldwide to stay alert.