Mumbai Hospital Reserves 14-Bed Ward for Mpox as Precautionary Measure

The Swedish government has confirmed its first case of monkeypox (Mpox). However, there are no reported cases of monkeypox in the Mumbai metropolitan area. Despite this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken measures as directed by the government.

The Public Health Department of the BMC has been coordinating with the Health Information Room of the International Airport. According to Assistant Medical Superintendent Dr. Pradnya Pawar, the BMC has set up 14 isolation beds and an ICU dedicated to monkeypox. They are prepared to admit any monkeypox suspect with serious complications.

Although no cases have been reported in India, there is a concern that cases may arise. The main symptoms of monkeypox include rashes, fever, cough, and a sore throat. Asymptomatic symptoms are also possible.

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan has urged proactive measures to implement testing and quarantine facilities at Mumbai Airport in response to the global spread of the monkeypox virus. He recommended immediate implementation of such facilities for passengers arriving from high-incidence countries. The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern due to its rapid spread in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and now in neighboring countries.

Pakistan and Sweden have also reported cases of the virus. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) health department confirmed two more cases in the province. This confirms the spread of the variant beyond Africa, as reported by Al Jazeera.