The Indian government has issued a safety advisory to all states and union territories in response to the global mpox outbreak. This action follows the World Health Organization's declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024 .

🦠 Current Situation in India

As of now, India has reported two mpox cases:

A 26-year-old from Haryana tested positive for the West African Clade 2 strain.

A 38-year-old man in Kerala, recently returned from the UAE, tested positive for the more virulent Clade 1b strain, making India the third non-African country to report this strain.

🧾 Key Directives from the Advisory

Enhanced Surveillance: States and UTs are instructed to screen and test all suspected mpox cases and intensify contact tracing efforts .

Isolation Facilities: Hospitals are to identify and prepare isolation units for suspected and confirmed cases, ensuring necessary logistics and trained personnel are in place .

Public Awareness: Authorities are urged to educate communities about mpox transmission, symptoms, and the importance of timely reporting to prevent panic and misinformation .

Healthcare Worker Training: Special attention is directed towards sensitizing healthcare workers, especially in dermatology and sexually transmitted disease clinics, about mpox symptoms and preventive measures .

Diagnostic Preparedness: The advisory emphasizes the need for robust diagnostic capabilities, with 36 ICMR-supported labs across the country and approved PCR kits available for early detection .

🌍 Global Context

The ongoing mpox epidemic, caused by the Clade 1b strain, has resulted in over 29,000 suspected cases and more than 800 deaths globally since January 2024, predominantly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo .

🏥 Public Health Measures

The Health Ministry has advised states to review public health preparedness at health facilities, ensuring the availability of required logistics and trained human resources. States are also directed to spread awareness among the public about mpox, its transmission, and the need for preventive measures and timely reporting .

🦠 What is Mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, similar to smallpox but generally less severe. It spreads through close contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

📈 Global Situation

The 2024–2025 mpox outbreak has affected many countries beyond the virus’s traditional endemic zones in Central and West Africa.

The WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024 due to the rapid global spread, including new cases of a more virulent strain, Clade 1b.

Over 29,000 suspected cases and 800+ deaths have been reported worldwide, with significant outbreaks in Africa and sporadic cases elsewhere.

🇮🇳 India's Current Status

India has reported two confirmed mpox cases:

One in Haryana (West African Clade 2 strain)

One in Kerala (more virulent Clade 1b strain), notable for being the third non-African country with this strain.

These cases triggered the Health Ministry to issue an advisory to enhance preparedness and prevent further spread.

🏥 The Centre’s Advisory to States and UTs

Surveillance and Testing: Mandatory screening of suspected cases at entry points like airports and clinics, with immediate testing and contact tracing.

Isolation Facilities: Hospitals must set up dedicated isolation wards for mpox patients to prevent cross-infection.

Healthcare Worker Training: Staff, especially dermatologists and those in sexual health clinics, are being trained to recognize symptoms and manage cases safely.

Public Awareness Campaigns: To inform people about symptoms, transmission routes, and the importance of early medical consultation.

Diagnostic Capacity: Strengthening laboratory networks with ICMR-supported labs equipped to detect mpox via PCR testing.

🧩 Why This Matters

Mpox can spread through close contact, including sexual transmission, making awareness and early detection crucial.

Early intervention reduces the risk of widespread community transmission.

The presence of the more dangerous Clade 1b in India raises the stakes for swift action.

🛡️ Preventive Measures for the Public

Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms.

Practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items.

Seek prompt medical care if symptoms like fever and rash develop.

Stay informed through official government advisories.