SHILLONG: In light of the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern, the Meghalaya Health Department has issued an advisory for travellers.
Individuals who have recently travelled from countries with confirmed or suspected Monkeypox cases and experience symptoms like fever, severe weakness, or an unexplained rash are urged to immediately contact the 14410 or 108 helpline numbers.
“If you have travelled in the last 21 days from a country that has recently reported confirmed or suspected cases of Mpox, and you develop symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, or an unexplained rash, immediately contact the 14410 or 108 helpline. This will enable the Health authorities to provide you with appropriate guidance and ensure timely medical care,” the department said in the advisory.
The department has emphasized the importance of staying informed through official channels and avoiding unnecessary panic.
Mpox cases have been reported from South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, UAE, Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan.
In India, the last reported case of Mpox was in Kerala in March 2024, involving a person with a history of international travel.
The country has bolstered its preparedness and response measures due to the global health emergency.
Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy. It is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
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Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, including members of a household.
People can also contract mpox from contaminated objects such as clothing or linen, through needle injuries in health care, or in community settings such as tattoo parlours.
Contracting mpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus or newborn infant and can lead to loss of the pregnancy, stillbirth, death of the newborn, or complications for the parent.
