AIIMS issues protocol for handling suspected Mpox patients

NEW DELHI, Aug 20
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi on Tuesday issued a protocol for handling patients suspected to have contracted the Mpox virus. The statement came soon after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the virus to be of international concern and a public health emergency.
"Monkey pox is a virtual zoonosis with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although clinically less severe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Monkey pox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, thereby requiring heightened awareness, rapid identification, and stringent infection control measures to prevent further spread," AIIMS said in its official protocol order.
Among the protocol issued are that of isolation, ensuring PPE suits, notification to the Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP), dedicated ambulances for shifting patience, and more.
Screening upon arrival: Patients with fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed Mpox cases will be flagged for immediate assessment after which key symptoms will be identified. Among key symptoms are fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and skin lesions, noted AIIMS-D.
Isolation: Patients showing symptoms suspected to be that of Mpox will thereon be isolated in holding areas. Specific beds in the holding areas have been allotted for such patients.
IDSP notification: Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP) officials are to be immediately notified along with a brief history, clinical findings, and contact details of the patient. Moreover, AIIMS Delhi ordered the proper documentation of each patient's details and symptoms and requested all staff to use personal protective equipment (PPEs) while handling suspected cases. Safdarjung Hospital has been designated for managing and treating Mpox patients and the patients with suspected cases will be shifted to the hospital for definitive care. "As informed by Safdarjung Hospital has been designated for managing and treating Monkey Pox patients. Accordingly, any patient suspected of having monkey pox should be referred to Safdarjung hospital for further evaluation and treatment," the order said. Furthermore, ambulances have been allotted specifically for the transfer of suspected Mpox patients to and from AIIMS, Delhi. Earlier, the Central Government had directed airport, ports and border authorities to remain vigilant in response to the global rise in Mpox cases, reported ANI. "We have alerted airports, ports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Economic Times