New Delhi: In response to the global surge in Mpox cases, the Indian government has instructed airport, port, and border authorities to heighten their vigilance, particularly at entry points along the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to official sources.

The central government has also designated three key hospitals—Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Hospital—as isolation centers equipped to handle potential Mpox cases.

Sources revealed that the Union Health Ministry has been holding discussions with experts to address the new virus, which is being treated as distinct from the previous Monkeypox virus. "We had a meeting with state officials and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) last week. Entry points are now on alert," sources shared, adding that, "This virus is self-limiting and has no link to COVID-19. Nodal officers are already positioned in hospitals, and testing is available at 32 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) centers. The symptoms resemble those of chickenpox."

Officials have noted that while the disease has a higher mortality rate, the chances of it significantly impacting India remain low. Mpox typically presents itself with rashes, similar to chickenpox.

In a separate review meeting on Sunday, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assessed India's readiness to deal with the potential Mpox threat. Enhanced surveillance measures have been put in place to ensure early detection and swift action in case of any outbreak.

At present, there have been no reported cases of Mpox in India, and according to the latest risk assessment, the possibility of a widespread outbreak in the country is minimal. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, particularly due to its prevalence in parts of Africa. Despite this classification, WHO has not issued any travel advisories as of now.

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