TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 28, 2024: The Chhattisgarh State Health Department has issued a comprehensive advisory for the prevention and control of Monkeypox (M-Pox), following its declaration as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 14 August 2024. State Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal has instructed health officials across all districts to rigorously implement the guidelines provided in the advisory.
The advisory, issued by the Director General of Health Services under the Government of India’s Department of Health and Family Welfare on 20 August 2024, outlines detailed protocols for the surveillance, rapid identification, investigation, and treatment of Monkeypox cases. With the recent spread of Monkeypox in various countries and confirmed cases in Kerala, India, in March 2024, the state of Chhattisgarh is taking proactive measures to curb the potential outbreak.
Understanding Monkeypox
Monkeypox, a viral disease primarily found in Central and West Africa, has now surfaced in other regions, including India. The infection manifests with symptoms such as fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. While typically self-limited, resolving within 2-4 weeks, severe cases can lead to complications, particularly in children, with a mortality rate ranging from 1 to 10 percent. The incubation period for Monkeypox is generally between 6 to 13 days, but can extend from 5 to 25 days. The virus spreads from animals to humans and from human to human, primarily through close, prolonged contact.
Surveillance and Response Measures
The state’s advisory emphasizes the need for strict surveillance of potential Monkeypox cases. Health officials are required to quickly identify, isolate, and treat infected individuals, as well as trace and monitor their contacts to prevent further spread. Each district must report any suspected cases to the District Surveillance Unit or State Surveillance Unit immediately. A confirmed case will trigger a rapid response and a detailed outbreak investigation by the District Level Rapid Response Team.
Samples from suspected cases are to be collected and sent to designated laboratories for analysis. Additionally, all contacts of confirmed Monkeypox patients will be closely monitored for 21 days for any signs of fever or rashes. The advisory also includes restrictions on blood, organ, tissue, and semen donations by contacts within this period, as well as monitoring protocols for healthcare workers who have been exposed to the virus.
Awareness and Prevention Efforts
Minister Jaiswal has directed health officials to organize awareness camps across all development blocks, with a special focus on Gram Panchayats, to educate citizens about Monkeypox, its transmission, and preventive measures. He stressed the importance of strict adherence to the guidelines provided in the advisory, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to protect public health.
