Concerns over Monkeypox, now formally known as Mpox, have prompted the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi to establish comprehensive guidelines for managing potential cases. This directive follows the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency, particularly after alarming outbreaks were reported from various African nations.
The AIIMS protocol outlines specific operational procedures to be adopted upon the arrival of suspected patients at the emergency department. Key indicators for immediate assessment include symptoms such as fever, rash, and contact history with confirmed Mpox cases.
Healthcare workers have been instructed to watch for significant symptoms associated with Mpox, which include not only fever but also severe headaches, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and distinctive skin lesions. These lesions, which can evolve from maculopapular rashes to vesicles and pustules, are particularly characteristic of the virus.
To minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to other patients, the SOP mandates isolations of suspected cases within designated areas instantly after their arrival. For this purpose, AIIMS has designated specific beds within the AB-7 ward for the isolation of patients suspected of harboring Mpox.
Patients identified as potential cases will be treated based on advisories from the chief medical officer of the emergency unit. During their stay at AIIMS, such individuals will be held temporarily until they are transferred to Safdarjung Hospital, which has been designated for more intensive care and treatment.
AIIMS has also directed its staff to contact the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) whenever they identify suspected Mpox cases. This includes thorough documentation of each patient’s details, a brief case history, clinical findings, and contact details, to aid efficient tracking and management.
Any suspected Mpox patient arriving at AIIMS must be referred to Safdarjung Hospital for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. This hospital has been earmarked as part of the coordinated national response to the Mpox outbreak.
The institute has also arranged for dedicated transportation to shift patients to Safdarjung Hospital as needed. Emergency staff will coordinate these transfers through designated communication channels to facilitate prompt response.
Strict adherence to infection control protocols is emphasized within the guidelines. Healthcare providers are instructed to don personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for suspected cases, ensuring both patient and staff safety during interactions.
This proactive approach aligns with broader national health initiatives responding to the rising number of Mpox cases globally. Other countries, including Sweden and Pakistan, have similarly reported new cases of the virus, highlighting the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
The ministry of health has also advised all airports and land ports near regions with reported Mpox cases to heighten surveillance. This move aims to quickly identify any incoming travelers exhibiting symptoms reminiscent of Mpox.
Three hospitals located within the capital have been identified as nodal points for isolation, management, and treatment of patients. These hospitals include Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung, and Lady Hardinge Medical College.
The WHO has conducted extensive assessments and noted the clinical similarities between Mpox and past smallpox infections, albeit with less severity. This information helps healthcare professionals take informed decisions about managing suspected cases effectively.
This development occurs amid heightened alertness surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, and authorities aim to leverage their experience from previous viral outbreaks. The comprehensive SOP introduced by AIIMS signifies the institute's commitment to safeguarding public health as fears surrounding viral transmission remain prevalent.
Reacting to the situation, health officials state they are closely monitoring the spread of Mpox and are ensuring preparedness for any eventualities. The measures being introduced reflect strategic enhancements to India’s overall healthcare response, taking lessons from international experiences with similar health emergencies.
Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with Mpox, as outlined by the health ministry, are encouraged to seek medical attention without delay. With each detected case, the message remains clear: swift action and appropriate medical care define the pathway to containment and recovery.
Consequently, AIIMS’s comprehensive framework not only focuses on immediate patient care but also highlights the importance of building systems ready for public health threats. It’s about creating rapid response capabilities to manage health risks as they arise.
