Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department has reassured the public not to panic over the monkeypox (Mpox) virus. As of now, no cases of monkeypox have been reported in the state.
In an official statement, the H&FW department highlighted that although Odisha does not have direct flight connections to the 14 countries affected by the virus, all airports and port authorities in the state have been instructed to remain vigilant and follow the Government of India’s guidelines.
A high-level meeting was held at Lok Seba Bhavan, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, with senior officials from the H&FW Department, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathy S. representatives from Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda Airports, Paradip, Gopalpur, and Dhamra Ports also attended the meeting to discuss preparedness.
The H&FW Commissioner cum Secretary informed that three monkeypox cases have been detected in India, with one each in Kerala and Delhi. As the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified monkeypox as an international public health emergency, the Government of India has issued guidelines to all states, including Odisha.
Despite no cases being reported in Odisha, the H&FW Department has alerted district administrations to be ready. Laboratory testing facilities have been established at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, and necessary arrangements have been made at Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda airports, as well as at the ports of Paradip, Gopalpur, and Dhamra.
It is important to note that monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, transmitted from animals to humans, and can also spread from human to human. The health department emphasized that there is no cause for public alarm at this time.
