Govt Confirms ‘Isolated’ Mpox Case In India, Says Infection ‘Not Part Of Current Public Health Emergency’

The government confirms an isolated case of Mpox in a traveler from a country with ongoing transmission. The case is unrelated to the current WHO public health emergency, as per the health ministry.

The Union Health Ministry has confirmed a previously suspected case of Mpox (monkeypox) in India as a travel-related infection, distinct from the current public health emergency reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This case, identified in a young male who recently travelled from a country with ongoing Mpox transmission, involves the West African clade 2 of the Mpox virus. The patient, currently isolated at a designated tertiary care facility, remains clinically stable and is not exhibiting any systemic illness or comorbidities.

"This case is an isolated incident, similar to the 30 cases reported in India since July 2022. It is not part of the public health emergency concerning clade 1 of Mpox," the Health Ministry stated on Monday.

Govt Advises States To Screen, Test All Suspected Mpox Cases

The Ministry has advised states and Union territories to enhance screening and testing for suspect Mpox cases in the community. In a letter to state officials, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasised the importance of preventing unnecessary panic among the public. He reiterated that no new cases of Mpox have been reported in the current outbreak and none of the samples from suspected cases have tested positive.

Chandra highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed states to review public health preparedness, particularly at health facilities. This includes identifying isolation facilities and ensuring the availability of necessary logistics and trained personnel.

States have been directed to orient key stakeholders on surveillance activities, including definitions of suspect, probable, and confirmed cases, as well as contact tracing. Public awareness about Mpox, its transmission, and preventive measures has been stressed.

The WHO declared the current outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, due to the rising trend of Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and new cases reported in East African countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The WHO's latest update notes that most cases involve young males, with sexual contact being the most commonly reported mode of transmission.

In response, health units at points of entry, such as airports, have been instructed to strengthen health screenings, and the laboratory network under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been increased. Additionally, State AIDS Control societies are advised to remain vigilant and enhance community awareness to encourage timely reporting of cases.