"There is nothing to worry about, as no cases of Mpox have been reported in India," the minister said.
Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has asked people not to worry about the mpox outbreak reported in some African countries as no infection has been detected in India till now.
The minister said free testing facilities have been arranged at the Victoria Hospital.
Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, lasting between two and four weeks, and its patients usually recover with supportive medical care and management. It is transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an infected patient.
"We held a departmental meeting today on preparedness for mpox. As of now, there is nothing to worry about, as no cases have been reported here," Mr Patil told reporters after a meeting with the officials in Bengaluru.
"The central government has issued guidelines. At Victoria Hospital, we have arranged free testing facilities," he added.
The minister said the people of Karnataka need not worry as the state government has made all preparations to deal with the infection.
The central government has also set up screening at international airports, Mr Patil added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)