New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has announced that India has not recorded any cases of monkeypox to date. This statement follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern.
In light of this, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda chaired a review meeting in New Delhi today to evaluate the current situation and assess the country’s preparedness.
During the meeting, officials noted that monkeypox infections are generally self-limiting, with symptoms lasting between 2 and 4 weeks. Patients typically recover with supportive care.
The virus is primarily transmitted through prolonged close contact with an infected person, including sexual contact, direct exposure to body fluids, or contaminated clothing.
The Health Ministry has outlined several precautionary measures to prevent and manage potential outbreaks. These measures include increased vigilance and monitoring at airports, seaports, and land crossings, as well as ensuring that testing laboratories and health facilities are prepared for the detection, isolation, and management of any possible cases.
Additionally, a Joint Monitoring Group Meeting was held yesterday, led by the Director General of Health Services and attended by experts from relevant fields. The Health Ministry emphasized that the risk of a significant outbreak with sustained transmission in India remains low, and the situation is being closely monitored.