Mpox Scare: J&K healthcare on high alert, mock drills ordered

Srinagar, Aug 22: Despite no reported monkeypox (Mpox) cases in Jammu and Kashmir, health authorities in J&K have intensified their vigilance following directives from the central government.

Major hospitals and healthcare institutions across the Union Territory have been instructed to bolster their preparedness to address any potential outbreaks of the infectious viral disease, a senior health department official informed.

In response to the government's orders, health officials in Jammu and Kashmir have mandated all healthcare institutions to maintain a high level of alert for any possible exigencies. "The Health Secretary has directed heads of departments to conduct mock drills across the Union Territory, ensuring that all health personnel are adequately trained in logistics and transportation protocols related to potential Mpox cases."

"Isolation wards are to be set up in all healthcare facilities as a precautionary measure. The health department is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the region is equipped to handle any unforeseen situations related to the viral disease," a health department official said.

According to Medicos, Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the poxviridae family. There are two monkeypox viruses: Clade 1, responsible for more severe disease, and Clade 2, which leads to less severe manifestations. The first case of Mpox was detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, with a significant outbreak occurring in Africa from 2022 to 2023. On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), further heightening global awareness and preparedness.

The clinical symptoms of Mpox include an incubation period of 6 to 13 days, with possible non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. A characteristic rash that progresses through various stages of evolution and lasts for 2 to 4 weeks is typically observed on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, and near the genitals. Additionally, patients may experience respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough, with potential complications affecting the meninges, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal system.

Diagnosis of Mpox primarily relies on identifying characteristic clinical features and detecting viral DNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Specimens are typically taken from the rash, skin, fluid, crusts, or biopsy. Serological tests can also detect antibodies that appear after the onset of the rash.

Preventive measures for Mpox include isolating suspected cases, conducting rigorous contact tracing, and launching public awareness campaigns to educate the population about prevention, symptoms, and the importance of seeking timely medical care. Efforts to procure vaccines for high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and immunocompromised individuals, are also being explored, along with ensuring proper infection control in public spaces.

In a related development, Dr P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the country's preparedness for Mpox and discuss public health measures.

The Prime Minister has been closely monitoring the situation, given the WHO's recent declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. During the meeting, officials confirmed that no cases of Mpox have been reported in India so far and assessed the risk of a large outbreak as low. It was also noted that Mpox infections are generally self-limiting, with most patients recovering within 2 to 4 weeks with supportive medical care.