NEW DELHI: Even as no case of monkeypox has been reported in India so far, the Health Ministry has directed officials to step up preparatory measures. At a review meeting on Saturday, it was assessed that the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission was presently low for India, although the possibility of a few imported cases being detected in the coming weeks could not be ruled out entirely.
In view of the WHO having declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), a detailed review of the monkeypox situation and preparedness was taken by the Health Minister JP Nadda.
“In the meeting chaired by the Health Minister, it was decided that as a matter of abundant caution, certain measures such as sensitising health units at all airports, seaports and ground crossings; readying the 32 testing laboratories; gearing up health facilities for detecting, isolating and managing any case are to be put in place,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.