NEW DELHI: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) released guidelines on Tuesday for managing patients with suspected monkeypox (Mpox) symptoms, despite no cases being reported in India yet. These measures are being implemented as a precautionary step.
AIIMS doctors state that monkeypox is a viral zoonosis with symptoms resembling those of smallpox, although less severe.World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, necessitating heightened awareness, rapid identification, and rigorous infection control measures to prevent further spread.
The institute’s standard operating procedure outlines the steps for handling monkeypox cases in the AIIMS emergency department. Patients with fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed monkeypox cases should be flagged for immediate assessment. Key symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and characteristic skin lesions.
Five beds have been designated to isolate suspected monkeypox patients, minimising contact with other patients and staff until they are transferred to the designated hospital for definitive care.
Suspected cases will be referred to Safdarjung Hospital, which has been designated for managing and treating such cases, along with Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi.
Dr Sushruta Kathuria, the nodal officer for monkeypox cases at Safdarjung Hospital, stated that they were well-prepared, with one room dedicated in the new emergency block and plans to shift to the superspeciality block, pending a final decision on Wednesday.
Dr Ajay Shukla, the medical superintendent of RML Hospital, mentioned that a 10-bed area had been designated for suspected monkeypox cases, with two nodal officers from the medicine and dermatology departments overseeing the situation.
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AIIMS Delhi issued a protocol for handling suspected monkeypox cases, citing the WHO’s declaration of a public health emergency. Patients with key symptoms are to be isolated immediately and referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment. Strict infection control measures and proper documentation must be maintained throughout the process.
Mpox cases caused by a new strain increased in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central, and East Africa, along with the Philippines, Sweden, and Pakistan. Symptoms include flu-like signs, complications, and scars, lasting 2-4 weeks. Recovery involves hydration, protein-rich foods, immunity boosters, soft foods, probiotics, and fresh fruits and vegetables to aid healing efficiently.
Three incoming passengers from the UAE have tested positive for the monkeypox virus in Pakistan, according to the health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The infected individuals have been quarantined. Since April 2023, there have been 11 monkeypox cases in Pakistan, one of which was fatal. The WHO has declared monkeypox a global health emergency due to a new variant.
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