Monkeypox in India: Govt issues advisory to states and UTs on preventing Mpox spread

NEW DELHI: Health secretary Apurva Chandra has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs), urging them to implement key public health measures to prevent and minimize the spread of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox ) in India.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness about the disease, its transmission modes, and the need for timely reporting. It also highlights preventive measures to curb further spread. "All states/UTs are requested to undertake appropriate activities to make communities aware about the disease, its modes of spread, need/importance of timely reporting and preventive measures," reads the advisory.

To ensure preparedness, the letter outlines necessary actions such as identifying isolation facilities in hospitals for both suspect and confirmed Mpox cases, ensuring the availability of logistics, and training healthcare workers . The advisory also stresses the need to prevent panic among the public, while health infrastructure is augmented to handle any potential outbreak.