Bhubaneswar: In response to the rising cases of monkeypox (Mpox) globally and the recent detection of India’s first case, the Odisha government has issued a comprehensive set of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus within the state.
Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health, has urged all hospitals and medical institutions to enhance surveillance and preparedness. The measures include setting up health desks at airports, seaports, and land borders to screen international travelers, especially those arriving from countries with confirmed or suspected Mpox cases.
As a proactive approach, several public health actions at Point of Entry (PoEs) to be initiated as recommended by Public Health Department:
International travelers health desk at airports and seaports or with crew coming from the affected countries or passengers at land borders at PoEs to be kept as high suspicion passengers.
The passengers who present with fever, profound weakness and an otherwise unexplained rash.
Who have travelled, in the last 21 days, to a country that has recently had confirmed or suspected cases of Mpox and contact with a person or people with confirmed or suspected cases of Mpox and contact with a person or people with confirmed or suspected Mpox.
All suspected cases identified at PoE to be isolated at transit isolation facilities and information to be shared immediately with State or District Surveillance Officer of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
All infection control practices to be followed while handling such suspect cases.
The suspect to be transferred to isolation facility at identified/deisngated referral hospital by the State/District IDSP team in designated ambulance.
Laboratory samples will be sent to identified labs (AIIMS, BBSR) from the referral hospital.
In case of suspect case is lab confirmed, PoEs to keep the list of contacts and share immediately with State/District IDSP team.
Self-reporting format for suspect cases to be shared to Nodal officer of Referral Hospitals, APHO/PHO of the respective PoE. The same format can be used in the event alert generated in IHIP.
Any query may be contacted with NCDC helpline number – (+91) 011 – 23909348.
Role of immigration and PoE/Airline operators: All airport/seaport/landport operators to provide all necessary assistance to the APHO/PHO in managing this PHEIC. Conveyance/immigration staff to report regarding any sick passenger to APHO/PHO.
