Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed India’s preparedness for Monkeypox following WHO’s declaration of the virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. While no cases have been reported in India, cautionary measures, including enhanced surveillance at ports and readying testing laboratories, have been initiated to prevent the potential spread of the disease.
In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda, conducted a comprehensive review of the nation’s preparedness. Despite no reported cases in India, the government has initiated precautionary measures, such as heightened vigilance at airports, seaports, and border crossings, and ensuring that 32 testing laboratories are ready.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that Monkeypox is typically a self-limiting disease, with symptoms lasting 2-4 weeks, and patients generally recover with supportive care. The virus primarily spreads through prolonged close contact, often via the sexual route, direct contact with infected body fluids, or contaminated materials like clothing. While the risk of a widespread outbreak in India is currently assessed as low, the possibility of detecting a few imported cases in the coming weeks remains.
“The government is taking proactive steps to ensure that our health infrastructure is prepared to manage any potential Monkeypox cases, even though the risk of a large outbreak in India is currently low,” said Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
Monkeypox was first declared a PHEIC by WHO in July 2022, with the status being revoked in May 2023 after the situation was brought under control. Since 2022, WHO has reported over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries. India recorded 30 cases, with the last one detected in March 2024.
The Indian government’s prompt response aims to mitigate any potential public health risks associated with Monkeypox. The emphasis on cautionary measures underscores the country’s commitment to preventing an outbreak, ensuring that the health system is equipped to detect and manage any cases that may arise.
Despite the low risk, some public health experts argue that the global spread of Monkeypox warrants a more aggressive approach, particularly in international travel and quarantine protocols, to prevent even isolated cases from leading to clusters.
Experts from institutions such as the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have been involved in the strategic planning, ensuring a coordinated effort to monitor and respond to the evolving situation.
With Monkeypox now a global concern once again, India’s health authorities remain vigilant, closely monitoring the situation and reinforcing measures to protect the public from this emerging threat.
