The World Health Organization recently declared that the Mpox outbreak in numerous African countries now represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), prompting the Kerala Health Department to issue a warning about the disease, which was previously known as monkeypox. This international classification emphasizes how dangerously the disease is spreading and how much more attention has to be paid to it everywhere.
Similar to smallpox, mpox is a viral infection that was less common in the past but has recently experienced an alarming increase in occurrences. The disease’s increasing threat and the need for nations to strengthen their reaction and preparation efforts are reflected in the WHO’s decision to designate it as a PHEIC. Kerala’s Health Department is strengthening its plans to deal with possible instances within the state in light of this worldwide health alert.
In 2022, when the disease was first discovered in the state, Kerala already developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as a preventative step against the mpox. This pioneering effort demonstrates Kerala’s vision and dedication to efficiently handling new health risks. The SOP provides thorough instructions for managing the disease and was designed to address the unique difficulties presented by mpox.
The guideline outlines specific steps for keeping an eye on and tracking cases of mpox. It mandates that medical personnel keep an eye out for disease-related symptoms and make sure that any suspected cases are reported to the appropriate authorities right once. This technique makes early detection easier and aids in stopping the disease’s spread.
In terms of medical care, the SOP describes the possible treatments and gives precise directions for diagnosing Mpox using the right laboratory testing. Healthcare professionals can treat patients with the condition promptly and effectively by according to these principles.
To stop the infection from spreading, the SOP also covers isolation and quarantine procedures. To stop the virus from spreading, infected people must be kept apart, and anyone who may have come into contact with the virus must be placed under quarantine to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak even further.
A crucial element of the process is raising public awareness. The SOP places a strong emphasis on educating the public about mpox, including how to identify symptoms, comprehend preventive actions, and seek medical attention when required. This educational endeavor is essential to enabling people to act appropriately and quickly seek assistance.
All things considered, Kerala’s proactive approach in developing the SOP early on shows the state’s dedication to safeguarding public health. Kerala’s readiness will be essential in controlling the disease and stopping its spread within the state as long as mpox remains a menace to the world.
SOURCE :
THE HINDU
