Concerned over the rise of monkeypox cases rise in Europe and America, the Centre today wrote to states urging them to take precautionary measures. Monkeypox is a viral illness endemic in West and Central African countries that causes symptoms such as fever and rash.
According to the World Health Organisation, a total of 3,413 monkeypox cases have been reported this year. The majority of cases have been reported in Europe and America.
In a letter to all states, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote, "Continued expansion of spread of monkeypox disease globally calls for proactive strengthening and operationalisation of requisite public health actions for preparedness and response against the disease in India also."
The letter goes on to list 5 key actions that the states must take. States have been asked to test and screen suspects at all points of entry. Authorities have also been asked to conduct regular orientation programmes for all health officials.
Mr Bhushan has also asked states to identify hospitals to manage monkeypox cases and ensure adequate human resource and logistic support at these hospitals.
Earlier today, a person who returned from abroad has been admitted to a hospital in Kerala after he showed symptoms of monkeypox, state Health Minister Veena George said. The minister said his samples have been collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology for testing.
Without revealing more details, Ms George said the person showed symptoms of monkeypox and he was in close contact with a monkeypox patient abroad. She said the disease could be confirmed only after getting the test results.
Explained In 5 Points: Monkeypox Virus Infection, Symptoms And Prevention Explained: What Is Mpox? UN Confirms Sexual Spread Of The Desease In Congo 27 Monkeypox Cases Reported In India Till July 24: Centre To Lok Sabha 150 mg Semen In Kolkata Doctor's Body, Suspect Gang-Rape: Parents To Court Starbucks' Indian-Origin CEO, Recently Fired, Never Worked Past 6 pm Vandalism At Kolkata Hospital Where Doctor Was Raped, Tear Gas Fired 1.4 Million Afghan Girls Banned From Schools Since Taliban Return To Power US Judge Says "Monopolist" Google Can't Avoid App Store Reforms NASA To Decide Stranded Starliner Astronauts' Route Home By End Of Month Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.