Delhi: 5 cases of Monkeypox confirmed, one discharged

As of now, 5 confirmed cases of Monkeypox have been reported in Delhi. Among these, one has recovered & been discharged. Delhi government in a release, informs that the Monkeypox situation is being continuously monitored in Delhi and there is no need to panic.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease having common symptoms of fever, skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, chills and/ or sweats, sore throat and cough.

In this context, Delhi Government has taken the following measures for preparedness:

Beds/rooms for admission of suspected/confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reserved in three Govt and three private hospitals.

Guidelines for the management of monkeypox (on disease transmission, surveillance and case definitions; diagnosis and case management; infection prevention and control; and personal protective equipment) have been shared with all Govt/ Pvt hospitals.

District Surveillance Units (DSUs) are in place for surveillance including contact tracing and follow-up and have been sensitized as per the Govt. of India guidelines.

Instructions have been issued to all Govt./ Pvt Hospitals to notify all suspected cases of monkeypox as per the case definition and refer them to designated Hospitals for isolation and management, in coordination with District surveillance units.

A training session was held at Lok Nayak Hospital on July 18, 2022, for all concerned departments like Medicine, Paediatrics, Microbiology, Dermatology etc concerning the management of suspected/Confirmed cases of Monkey Pox.

Similarly, a training session on Monkeypox was also conducted for five newly designated hospitals on August 4, 2022.

State Surveillance Unit, Delhi is coordinating with the DSUs and Airport Health Organization (APHO), IGI Airport, New Delhi.

Review meetings on preparedness for Monkeypox have been held at various levels under the chairmanships of higher authorities.

All staff of Centralised Accident and Trauma Services CATS are trained and sensitized as per the guidelines for ambulance transfer of suspect/confirmed cases.

NIV Pune and AIIMS Delhi have identified laboratories for testing and diagnosis of Monkeypox.

A close watch is being maintained over the evolving situation.