Mpox Global Public Health Emergency: AIIMS Guidelines for Treating Patients

Mpox Treatment Guidelines AIIMS
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The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has issued comprehensive guidelines for the treatment of mpox. The mpox protocols focus on early detection of mpox and aim to effectively deal with potential outbreaks.

  • Early Detection and Isolation: AIIMS Delhi has issued comprehensive guidelines for managing suspected mpox cases treatment. The protocols focus on early detection and isolation to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • Symptoms to Watch For: The guidelines specify key symptoms associated with mpox as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and distinctive skin lesions.
  • Specialized Care: Patients suspected of having monkeypox are to be promptly isolated and referred to designated hospitals for advanced evaluation and treatment. Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi has been earmarked for definitive care of mpox patients.
  • Contact Tracing and Surveillance: Any suspected case should be reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for contact tracing and outbreak management.
  • PPE and Safety Measures: Medical staff engaged in mpox management should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with suspected cases. Comprehensive documentation of patient details is also mandated.

AIIMS’s proactive approach to monkeypox management aligns with global efforts to contain the virus. As the number of cases continues to rise worldwide, early detection, isolation, and effective treatment remain crucial for preventing further spread and protecting public health.

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What is Monkey Pox or Mpox?

Mpox (Also known as monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus. It is similar to smallpox but generally milder. Monkeypox can spread from person to person through close contact with an infected individual, their bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.   

Common symptoms of mpox are:

  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Back pain
  • Low energy
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Joint Pain
  • Pain in the rectum
  • Difficulty while urinating
  • Some people may have a few skin lesions and others have hundreds or more. They can be anywhere in the body:
  • Palms of the hands and soles of the feet
  • Face, mouth, and throat
  • Groin and genital area
  • Anus

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How it Spreads?

Generally, Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal.

  • Human-to-human contact
  • Face-to-face (breathing, talking, etc)
  • Direct Skin to skin contact
  • Mouth to mouth
  • Contact with contaminated objects
  • Respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from prolonged close contact
  • From animal to human (bites, scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing, or eating animals)

Mpox Treatment Guidelines AIIMS

There is no specific treatment for the monkeypox virus. But there are a few other supportive treatments that can help in fast recovery:

Supportive Care:

  • Manage symptoms like fever, pain, and fatigue.
  • Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.

Antiviral Medication:

  • In severe cases or for immunocompromised individuals, antiviral drugs like tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be prescribed.
  • These medications can help shorten the course of illness and reduce complications.

Prevent Secondary Infections:

  • Keep the rash clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections.
  • Avoid scratching or picking at the lesions.

Isolate:

  • To prevent spreading the virus, individuals with mpox should isolate until the rash has completely healed and the scabs have fallen off.

Vaccinations:

  • The JYNNEOS vaccine can be used to prevent monkeypox infection. Recommended only for high-risk individuals, such as healthcare workers and those with multiple sex partners.

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Mpox Self Treatment and Prevention Guidelines AIIMS

Most of the Monkeypox-infected cases recover in 2-4 weeks. Here are a few things to do to prevent others:  

  • Avoid direct contact with the infected person
  • Wear mask
  • Stay Home 
  • Wash hands with soap and water or Sanitizer frequently
  • Keep skin dry and uncovered 
  • Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth
  • Protect skin from sun
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

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