Maharashtra Govt Steps Up Mpox Surveillance Amid Zero Cases

The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines for Mpox (Monkeypox), urging health officials to raise public awareness. Although no cases have been reported, airport and port authorities are instructed to closely monitor incoming travelers. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reserved a 14-bed ward as a precautionary measure.

The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines about Mpox (Monkeypox), urging health officials to educate the public about the viral disease. As of now, no cases have been reported, but airport and port authorities are instructed to monitor incoming travelers closely, according to a senior Public Health Department official on Thursday.

'Health officials have been asked to sensitize people about it,' said the official. The Mpox variant 'clade Ib' has caused outbreaks in some African nations. The disease spreads primarily through household contact and is more likely to affect children. 'It is not fatal in most cases, but specific treatment is yet to be discovered,' the official added.

'We have asked district-level health officials and municipal corporations to maintain active case surveillance. Airports and ports are also requested to ensure close monitoring,' the official said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up a 14-bed ward at Seven Hills Hospital in Andheri for Mpox patients as a precaution, although no cases have been reported.

'Citizens are urged not to panic. This step follows instructions from the Union and state governments,' the release noted. Screening of passengers from Africa and other affected regions has already commenced at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.