AIIMS issues guidelines for Monkeypox cases in Delhi amid growing global health concerns
With the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Monkeypox (Mpox) a global health emergency, nations are on high alert as WHo has said that the virus could spread further within Africa and beyond. While no cases have been reported in India yet, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Tuesday has issued guidelines for managing patients with suspected Mpox symptoms as a precaution.
AIIMS's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for handling Monkeypox
Here are AIIMS's standard operating procedures (SOP) for handling monkeypox (Mpox) cases:
Patient Screening: Patients with fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed Mpox cases are flagged for immediate assessment.
Symptom Identification: Key symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and characteristic skin lesions.
Isolation Protocol: Five beds have been designated to isolate suspected Mpox patients to minimise contact with other patients and staff.
Referral for Definitive Care: Suspected Mpox cases are referred to designated hospitals in Delhi for further treatment¡ªSafdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College.
Preparedness at Safdarjung Hospital: A dedicated room in the new emergency block is available for Mpox cases, with potential plans to shift to the superspeciality block, as per Dr Sushruta Kathuria, the nodal officer for monkeypox cases at Safdarjung hospital.
What is Monkeypox (Mpox)?
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.?It is related to the virus that causes smallpox, though monkeypox is generally less severe.?
Monkeypox is primarily transmitted from animals to humans, often through contact with infected animals such as rodents or primates.?
Human-to-human transmission can also occur, usually through: close contact with body fluids or respiratory droplets, direct contact with the monkeypox rash and contaminated objects like bedding or clothing.
Recently, Mpox cases caused by a new strain have surged in several regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central and East Africa, as well as in countries like the Philippines, Sweden, and Pakistan.
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