The Centre has asked the States and the Union territories for the screening and testing of all suspect cases of Mpox previously known as Monkey pox in the country. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued an advisory to the States in view of the WHO’s declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern related to Mpox.

In its advisory, the Ministry has stressed to create awareness about Mpox and timely reporting and adopting preventive measures to prevent undue panic among the masses. The Ministry also advised for the review of public health preparedness particularly at health facility level at the State and Districts by the senior officials. States have also been asked for identification of isolation facilities in hospitals for taking care of both suspect and confirmed cases and availability of required logistics and trained human resources. The healthcare workers especially those working in skin, sexually transmitted disease clinics and National Aids Control Organization clinics to follow the health protocols.

Mr. Chandra said that the Union Health Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and will extend all support to the States and UTs.