Srinagar, Aug 22: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar has set up an isolated ward and a special control room in response to the global rise in Monkeypox (Mpox) cases and beef up surveillance and maintain high alert.
The facility, currently with six beds, can expand to 34 beds if necessary. SKIMS officials said it is also enhancing testing capacity and preparing treatment guidelines, while maintaining high vigilance as the World Health Organization declares Monkeypox an emergency.
He said signage for the isolation ward will be enhanced for better guidance; requisition for signboards has been sent to the SKIMS Estates Department.
The official said that the Department of Microbiology at SKIMS has limited testing capacity, which is set to increase with the procurement of additional kits from ICMR.
As part of the treatment preparedness, the Infectious Diseases Unit of the Department of General Medicine is assessing the medication needs for Mpox treatment. “Sufficient stocks of PPE kits, N95 masks, surgical gloves, and other protective gear are available,” he said.
The Department of Community Medicine and Infectious Diseases is preparing guidelines for health workers to manage screening and infection control, especially at airports and railway stations. These guidelines will also be used for training purposes.
The SKIMS has also established a dedicated Control Room for the Mpox management which is also functioning as a helpline Center with the number: 0194-2403679.
Although there is no Mpox case in India, the Jammu and Kashmir government is maintaining a close vigil in the light of the recent declaration of Monkeypox as an emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The health department has directed all HODs to dedicate isolation wards across all health facilities for the purpose besides ensuring activation of testing, treating and contact tracing centres for Mpox if there is any need of the same.
Preventive measures on Mpox issued
Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura has issued preventive measures and dos and don’ts regarding Mpox to help prevent the virus spread.
“Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by Mpox virus, an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the poxviradae family. The symptoms of the disease can mimic those of Smallpox and Chickenpox,” read the dos and don’ts issued by the institute.
There are two types of Mpox viruses: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Clade 1 causes more severe disease, while Clade 2 results in milder symptoms. Clade 1 is responsible for the current outbreak.
It said that Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
As per the clinical features suggested by doctors Mpox usually lasts 06 to 13 days but can range from 05 to 21 days. Its common symptoms are a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The disease is diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which is the preferred laboratory test for Mpox. The specimens are to be taken directly from the rash-skin, fluid, crusts or biopsy when feasible.
The SKIMS has also issued prevention and control measures including isolation and contact tracing, infection prevention and vaccination:
Notably, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has also released guidelines for managing patients with suspected Mpox symptoms, despite no cases being reported in India yet.
These measures are being implemented as a precautionary step. AIIMS doctors state that Mpox is a viral zoonosis with symptoms resembling those of smallpox, although less severe.
The first case of Mpox was reported in Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. Later there was an outbreak of Mpox (Clade 2) in Africa in 2022-2023. The WHO declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14, 2024.
