Mpox: Centre asks state to review protocols

Panaji: The Union ministry of health and family welfare, in its latest Monday advisory, has instructed all states to review their respective public health preparedness to deal with any possible cases of Mpox infections.

The ministry has also asked states to alert its healthcare workers, especially those working in skin/STD clinics/ clinics of NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation), for common signs and symptoms and differential diagnosis. They have also been asked to be prepared to take steps if any suspected case of the virus is detected. This includes isolation, clinical management of cases, treatment of complications, etc., while following protocols.

“We don’t have any suspected cases in Goa but we are ready. We have already sensitised healthcare workers at health centres, district hospitals, and the GMC, and our isolation facilities and laboratories where samples will be sent have all been identified,” state epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar said.

“Since many Mpox cases are spread via the sexual route, we have already taken action and briefed the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS). We have also written to the Association of Skin Doctors, as Mpox presents as a skin lesion,” Betodkar added.

“We have been instructed to send samples of any suspects to the lab in a timely manner. We are ready and there’s no need to panic. The World Health Organisation too has saidthat transmission of the disease is moderate, not high,” he said.

With news of Cutbona fishing trawler workers reporting some skin lesions, Betodkar said those were not connected to Mpox.

“There were around six to seven cases. We referred them to a skin specialist at the district hospital and the lesions were found to be caused due to unhygienic conditions that the workers are staying in,” he said.

Anyone with a fever or rash and having travel history to endemic countries in Central and West Africa, or who has had close contact with someone who has travelled to these countries has been advised to go immediately to a health facility for a check-up.