AIZAWL: In the wake of the global monkeypox outbreak, the Mizoram Health Department has established a core committee on Mpox to oversee preventive measures.
This decision was made during a meeting held last Friday, where specialized groups will operate under the core committee.
Additionally, a state-level committee will be formed that will work under the coordination of higher authorities.
Dr Vanlalrengpuia, the state nodal officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), presented a detailed overview of the rising Mpox cases worldwide.
He emphasized the importance of prevention, treatment strategies, and preparedness, noting the potential for the virus to enter India due to global travel.
In a significant development, Zoram Medical College (ZMC), Mizoram’s only medical college, has been designated as a Sentinel Site by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
ZMC was selected as one of the 28 top laboratories across India and has been implementing its sentinel site plan since December 2023.
The Civil Hospital in Lunglei is also expected to be utilized as an additional sentinel site.
Amid concerns circulating on social media, the Health Department issued a clarification regarding rumors that a girl from Siaha town had contracted Mpox.
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The Mizoram health department confirmed that the girl had been diagnosed with chickenpox with a secondary infection.
She was admitted to LCMC Lawngtlai on August 13 and was discharged on August 20.
The Mizoram health department has urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary panic on social media.
