Odisha Govt Initiates Precautionary Measures Against Monkeypox Threat

Bhubaneswar: The director of Public Health directed all hospitals and medical health institutions in Odisha to strengthen surveillance activities, preparedness and response against monkeypox (Mpox) after detection of its first case in India and the rising concern throughout the world.

The director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra has written a letter to the Directors of Bhubaneswar Airport, Director of Capital Hospital, CDMOS, Public Health officers, Deans and Principals of Medical Colleges and Port health Officer of Paradip, to take adequate precautionary measures and remain vigilant to detect persons having history of travel to affected countries in the last 21 days and having unexplained rash, fever with other signs and symptoms.

As per the directive of the 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.