SHILLONG, Aug 28: The Health department on Wednesday issued an advisory for travellers in view of the declaration of Monkeypox or Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern.
“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 public is advised not to panic and to stay informed about the situation through official channels,” the advisory added.
Mpox cases have been reported from South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, 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. However, with the recent declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency, preparedness and response measures have been reviewed and strengthened at the highest level.
