Key Points
The risk of an upsurge of Mpox cases, formerly known as monkeypox, remains very low in India, according to health ministry officials, even as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) following a surge in cases in Africa.e)..
The last reported Mpox case in India was in March this year from Kerala, reported PTI quoting official sources within the health ministry..
In response to the global situation, the health ministry may issue advisories to points of entry such as airports and seaports, instructing them to be vigilant and prepared to manage suspected cases as per existing guidelines..
Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda is expected to hold a meeting on Saturday with officials from the ministry, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to review the situation and ensure all necessary precautions are in place..
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) increased its risk assessment for Mpox to "moderate" from "low" following the detection of a new strain in Sweden, the first case outside Africa. ..