India Reports No Monkeypox Cases Amidst WHO's New Health Emergency Declaration

The Union Health Ministry gave a positive report: there have been no reports of monkeypox in India as of now. This is good news because monkeypox is a virus that has recently gained worldwide attention. It was called a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on August 14, 2024. This statement comes after a careful look at the situation around the world and serves as a reminder of how careful needs to be in order to handle these kinds of outbreaks.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda called a very important meeting of top Ministry officials on August 17, 2024, to look at India's plans for readiness and response. India hasn't seen any new cases of monkeypox yet, even though the WHO just declared it a PHEIC. While the last case was reported in India in March 2024, there have been 30 cases since the WHO first said about it in July 2022.

During the meeting, it was decided to take extra steps to make sure the country is ready in case of a spread. Some of these steps are improving surveillance and making health units more aware at all major entry spots, such as airports, seaports, and land crossings. Also, testing labs are getting ready to deal with possible cases, and health facilities are getting ready to find, isolate, and take care of any Monkeypox cases that come up.

The Union Health Ministry stressed that monkeypox usually goes away on its own. Most infections last between two and four weeks, and patients usually get better with supporting care. To get the virus, you have to be close to an infected person for a long time. It can also be spread through sexual contact, direct contact with body fluids or sores, or clothes and linens that have been contaminated.

Since the WHO first warned about monkeypox in July 2022, there have been 99,176 cases and 208 deaths in 116 countries around the world. In India, things have stayed pretty under control; the most recent case was reported earlier this year. The disease doesn't seem to be spreading too quickly, but the latest WHO statement is a good reminder of how important it is to stay alert and ready.

A Joint Monitoring Group Meeting took place on August 16, 2024. The Director General of Health Services was in charge of it. At this meeting, experts from different fields talked about the current state of monkeypox and emphasised the need to keep an eye on it and be ready.

A spokesman for the Union Health Ministry said, "The situation is being closely watched by the Ministry." This constant watchfulness is very important because global health threats change so quickly, and we need to act quickly on any new cases that come up.

India doesn't need to worry right now, but the Health Ministry's proactive steps show that the country is serious about protecting public health. India wants to keep monkeypox away and protect its people from it and other new health risks by staying ahead of possible threats and making sure there are strong ways to respond.

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