Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra Addresses Public Health Emergency Amid Mpox Concerns

Public Health Emergency Declared by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This alert necessitates immediate action to mitigate the impacts of Mpox as new strains emerge. Apurva Chandra, the Union Health Secretary, has directed states and union territories to implement preventative measures following the first suspected case reported in India.

Current Situation and Advisory

In response to the suspected monkeypox case, Chandra’s advisory emphasizes essential actions to minimize spread and reduce morbidity. Local authorities are instructed to review current measures at public health facilities and enhance community awareness regarding symptoms and transmission pathways.

• Enhanced surveillance at all levels
• Public health sensitization efforts
• Testing protocols for suspected cases
• Management of clinical care in isolation settings

The first suspected case, identified in a young male who had recently traveled from a country experiencing an outbreak, is currently in isolation and is stable. Testing is underway to confirm the diagnosis, while contact tracing efforts are initiated to identify potential exposure risks.

Transmission Modes and Patient Demographics

Mpox typically spreads through extensive contact with infected individuals. Recent data indicates that a significant proportion of reported cases involve young males, particularly those with a median age of 34. The virus has shown its ability to transmit through sexual contact, necessitating targeted interventions at high-risk demographic sites.

Healthcare workers in skin, sexually transmitted diseases, and National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) clinics are being urged to maintain vigilance and recognize symptoms early to prevent outbreak escalation.