Maharashtra Government Asks Health Officials To Sensitise People About Mpox

The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines about Mpox, asking health officials to sensitise people about the viral disease.

PTI

File Photo: New wards for Mpox patients being arranged at Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Tropical and Communicable Diseases (Government Fever Hospital) in view of the recent increase in cases, in Hyderabad, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Source: PTI)

The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines about Mpox, asking health officials to sensitise people about the viral disease.

While no case has been reported so far, airport and port officials have been asked to ensure close surveillance of incoming travellers, said a senior official of the Public Health Department on Thursday.

'Health officials have been asked to sensitise people about it, he said.

Mpox variant `clade Ib' has caused an outbreak in some African countries, the official said, adding that the disease primarily spreads through household contact, and children are more susceptible to catching the infection.

Also Read: Serum Institute Developing Mpox Vaccine Amid Rising Global Concerns

'It is not fatal in most cases, but specific treatment is yet to be discovered,' the official said.

'We have asked district-level health officials and municipal corporations to maintain active case surveillance. Officials at airports and ports have also been requested to ensure close surveillance,' he added.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has reserved a 14-bed ward at Seven Hills Hospital in Andheri for MPox patients as a precautionary measure, officials said earlier on Thursday, though no case has been found in the city.

'Citizens are urged not to panic. This step has been taken following instructions from the Union and state governments,' the release added.

Screening of passengers arriving from Africa and some other parts of the world where Mpox cases have been reported has started at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, it said.

Also Read: Thailand Confirms Asia’s First Case of New Mpox Virus Strain

Watch LIVE TV , Get Stock Market Updates, Top Business , IPO and Latest News on NDTV Profit.
GET REGULAR UPDATES