India / Monkeypox risk in india health and family welfare ministry issues guidelines

New Delhi : Cases of monkeypox are increasing in different countries. In view of the increasing threat of monkeypox, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued guidelines. However, till now not a single case of this disease has been reported in India. Despite this, the government does not want any negligence on the level of precaution. This is the reason why the ministry has issued guidelines so that there is no misunderstanding about the disease or its symptoms. Also, if a case comes later, then the situation at that time can be managed better.

Case confirmed only after lab testing

According to the guidelines of the ministry, only after testing in the lab, the case of monkeypox will be considered confirmed. For this, only the method of PCR or DNA testing will be valid. If a suspected case is detected, its sample will be sent to the top lab of ICMR-NIV in Pune through the network of Integrated Disease Surveillance Program made in the states and districts. At the same time, according to the guidelines issued to deal with the situation arising out of monkeypox, all arrangements have to be made under epidemiology. In this, it has been said to focus on the sick and their care, diagnosis, case management and risk factors.

If new cases come, there should be speed in identification

The guidelines issued by the ministry also emphasize on care and rapid identification of new cases. It states that the transmission of disease from one person to another has to be stopped. Along with this, methods of preventing and controlling infection are also explained in detail. Information has also been given about the strategy of preventing and controlling infections at home, keeping the patient in isolation and ambulance transfer. Along with this, it has also been told what kind of precautions should be taken during isolation.

Monitoring of symptoms for 21 days after coming in contact

It has been told in the guidelines that after coming in contact with a person suffering from monkeypox, his symptoms should be monitored continuously for 21 days.

Apart from this, emphasis has also been laid on making people aware that they should avoid using any goods of such sick person.

Also, if someone suffering from this disease is in isolation, then hands should be properly sanitized while taking care of him.

Apart from this, what has been given on the need to wear proper PPE kit.