Pune Municipal Corporation Intensifies Mpox Surveillance And Testing

Pune Municipal Corporation has ramped up its efforts to combat Mpox (Monkeypox) following state government directives. Health officials in the city have begun rigorous surveillance and testing for suspected Mpox cases. The Pune International Airport (PIA) is now monitoring international travelers for symptoms of Mpox as per the Government of India’s guideline. Travellers displaying symptoms such as fever, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fatigue, and chills will be directed to the Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital in Baner. At this hospital, a dedicated ward with 10 beds has been reserved for Mpox patients, according to Dr. Suryakant Deokar, assistant health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). 

Suspected cases will have their samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing. The Aundh District Hospital (ADH) has also set up an isolation ward with 10 beds to accommodate Mpox patients, with close monitoring and testing also coordinated with the NIV, as stated by Dr. Nagnath Yempalay, the district civil surgeon.

Dr. Deokar added that the PIA has implemented a mass fever screening system to identify symptomatic passengers. An ambulance is on standby to transport travelers with Mpox symptoms to the Naidu Hospital. With international flights arriving from Dubai and Singapore, health officials at the airport are vigilant in their monitoring efforts. 

This comprehensive approach aims to control the spread of Mpox and ensure timely treatment for affected individuals.