Shimla, Aug 24
Amid a surge in monkeypox cases nationwide, the Himachal Pradesh government has raised an alert, instructing medical colleges and district hospitals to establish isolation facilities. M. Sudha, the state’s Health Secretary, led a meeting on Wednesday with health officials to outline preventive measures, stressing the need for heightened vigilance, particularly among individuals arriving from international locations.
Monkeypox, a viral illness with similarities to smallpox, was first detected in monkeys in 1958 and has since escalated into a global health concern. The virus presents symptoms such as fever, intense headache, muscle aches, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Transmission primarily occurs through direct skin contact, close interactions with infected individuals, or contact with animals like rats, monkeys, and squirrels.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided guidelines to control the virus’s spread, underscoring the significance of early detection, isolation of those infected, and rigorous hygiene practices. The virus can enter the body through the eyes, mouth, nose, or ears, highlighting the critical need to avoid contact with infected individuals or animals.
In response to the growing outbreak, Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare workers have been directed to hold district-level meetings and ensure isolation facilities are ready. The state government is also implementing strict surveillance, particularly in border regions, to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Previously, the Union government issued advisories urging states to align their protocols with international health standards to manage and contain the virus effectively.
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