AIIMS Delhi has issued comprehensive guidelines for handling suspected Monkeypox cases, emphasizing the urgency of immediate isolation and careful management to prevent the spread of the virus. This comes in response to the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the Monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, underscoring the global need for heightened vigilance.
The AIIMS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) highlight that Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis, with symptoms that bear resemblance to smallpox, though typically less severe. The document stresses the importance of quickly identifying and isolating patients who present with symptoms such as fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed Monkeypox cases. These patients should be immediately flagged for assessment and placed in a designated isolation area within the emergency department to minimize contact with others.
The AIIMS SOPs outline a detailed protocol for the management of suspected cases. Key symptoms to be identified include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and the distinctive maculopapular rash, which can evolve into vesicles and pustules. The protocol specifies that five beds have been reserved in the AB-7 ward for isolating Monkeypox cases. These patients will remain in the AB-7 ward temporarily before being transferred to Safdarjung Hospital, which has been designated as the primary facility for the definitive care and management of Monkeypox patients.
In addition to the isolation procedures, the SOPs mandate that the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) be notified immediately upon the identification of a suspected case. This notification must include the patient's details, a brief history, clinical findings, and contact information. The guidelines also call for the strict use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by all staff handling Monkeypox patients to ensure effective infection control.
Furthermore, a dedicated ambulance has been allocated to facilitate the transfer of patients from AIIMS to Safdarjung Hospital. The SOPs emphasize that meticulous documentation of patient details, symptoms, and the referral process must be maintained to ensure a coordinated response.
Amid the ongoing Monkeypox outbreak in neighboring countries, the Union Health Ministry has heightened surveillance measures at airports and land ports, particularly those on the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan. The ministry has instructed these points of entry to be vigilant for incoming international passengers who may exhibit symptoms of Monkeypox. Additionally, three Centre-run hospitals in Delhi—Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung, and Lady Hardinge—have been designated as nodal centers for the isolation, management, and treatment of Monkeypox patients.
These measures reflect the growing concern over the potential spread of Monkeypox and the need for a coordinated public health response to contain the virus effectively. The comprehensive guidelines issued by AIIMS and the Union Health Ministry are part of broader efforts to manage the outbreak and ensure that health facilities are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any suspected cases.
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