2024-09-29 11:47:25
After increasing new cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) in India, the Central Government has issued new guidelines (Mpox guidelines) for the states and union territories to take precautionary measures. The government has advised to isolate suspected cases of Mpox and implement strict measures to prevent infection.
Let us tell you that this step (Ref.) has been taken after the first case of ‘Clade 1b’ (Clade 1 Mpox) strain was reported in the country recently. This strain spreads rapidly and can cause serious illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a health emergency.
Samples will be sent to big lab
Union Health Secretary Apoorva Chandra has asked states to immediately send samples of skin lesions of patients with suspected symptoms of ‘Mpox’ to major labs. Samples of patients found positive will be sent to Pune-based ICMR-NIV for testing for ‘clade’. There are 36 ICMR labs and three commercial PCR kits available across the country.
Instructions for making separate isolation ward
States have been directed to set up isolation wards for suspected and confirmed cases of ‘Mpox’ in hospitals and deploy trained staff. The guidelines call for efforts to make people aware about the disease, its mode of spread and timely reporting and preventive measures.
2 cases of ‘Mpox’ in India so far
So far, two cases of ‘Mpox’ have been reported in India. The first case was of a 26-year-old man from Hisar, Haryana, who was found infected with the ‘West African Clade 2’ strain last month. This strain was similar to the 30 cases reported in India since July 2022. The second case was a 38-year-old man who had recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and was admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kerala after he tested positive for ‘Mpox’ last week. He tested positive for the ‘Clade 1b’ strain.
What is Mpox Clade 1?
A virus called monkeypox has two types: clade I and clade II, with clade I responsible for the current surge of cases in central and eastern Africa. Historically, clade I caused a greater number of serious diseases than clade II, causing up to 10% of deaths. Outside Africa, one case each of ‘Mpox clade 1b’ has recently been reported from Sweden and Thailand. India is the third country in the world to report this rapidly spreading ‘Mpox’ strain.
Symptoms of Mpox Clade
Experts believe that Clade 1 usually causes more severe symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, muscle pain and enlarged lymph nodes. Symptoms of this type may appear anywhere from one to twenty-one days after infection, although they often appear within a week. Symptoms, which usually last two to four weeks, may last longer in people with weakened immune systems.
Ways to avoid and prevent Mpox
Mortality rates vary between different strains of monkeypox virus, with clade I being the most dangerous. Monkeypox prevention includes maintaining good hygiene, practicing safe sex, avoiding contact with infected animals, and following all safety measures.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.