Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, chaired a meeting to assess the country's readiness for combating the contagious disease Mpox. The World Health Organization has declared Mpox as a global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and the meeting discussed preventive measures and awareness campaigns to be taken up. Although there have been 30 reported cases in India since the WHO declaration in 2022, the current risk of a large outbreak is low.
Mpox: Public Health Emergency of International Concern in India
Background
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the Mpox virus. It is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated materials. Symptoms can range from fever, headache, and muscle aches to rash and swollen lymph nodes.
In May 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a global Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This declaration signifies that the spread of the disease has the potential to become a significant threat to global public health.
India's Response
As of the time of writing, India has reported 30 cases of Mpox since the WHO's declaration in 2022. The current risk of a large outbreak in the country is considered low.
To prepare for any potential outbreak, the Indian government has taken several measures, including:
Top 5 FAQs
1. What are the symptoms of Mpox?
A: Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
2. How is Mpox transmitted?
A: Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated materials.
3. Is there a vaccine for Mpox?
A: Yes, there are two vaccines approved by the WHO for use against Mpox.
4. What are the preventive measures for Mpox?
A: Preventive measures include avoiding close contact with infected individuals or animals, practicing good hygiene, and getting vaccinated.
5. Is Mpox a serious disease?
A: While Mpox can be a serious disease, the majority of cases are mild. However, it is important to seek medical attention promptly if you develop symptoms.
Conclusion
India is well-prepared to combat the spread of Mpox. By implementing proactive measures and raising awareness about the disease, the government aims to prevent a large outbreak and protect the health of its citizens. It is important for individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions to reduce their risk of infection.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has responded to Congress' claims of EVM irregularities in Jharkhand by calling out their inconsistent stance on the matter. He highlighted the party's tendency to only question the integrity of the EVM process when the results aren't favorable to them. Shinde also reaffirmed the public's support for Shiv Sena's win in the recent elections.
According to the latest figures from the Election Commission, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is leading in 217 seats out of 288, almost halfway through the counting process. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi appears to be struggling, with only 50 seats in their favor. BJP leader Kalidas Kolambkar from Wadala has already been declared as the winner in the first result announced. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at BJP headquarters to celebrate the party's victory, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressing confidence in their ability to form a government. BJP leader Pankaja Munde stated that the public's rejection of fake narratives and acceptance of the politics of development has led to a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance.
With the Jhunjhunu bypoll results set to be announced on November 23, 2024, the race is on to see who will be elected as the next Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from this important Assembly constituency in Rajasthan. With a total of 11 candidates in the fray, including big names from major political parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the stakes are high. In the previous election, INC's Brijendra Singh Ola emerged victorious, but with many new candidates vying for the seat, it remains to be seen who will come out on top in 2024. Stay updated with live result updates on the day of the bypoll to find out who will win and who will lose.
Shiv Sena leader and CM Eknath Shinde has won the Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat by a huge margin, retaining his position after winning the seat in 2019. Shinde, who led a rebellion against Shiv Sena and joined forces with BJP to become CM, has a stronghold on his home turf Thane. In his victory speech, he expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his support and said his government will work for the common man.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has emerged victorious in her debut Lok Sabha election in Wayanad, surpassing her brother Rahul Gandhi's previous lead. She took to social media to express her gratitude to the people of Wayanad for their overwhelming support. Priyanka also thanked her UDF colleagues, Kerala volunteers, and her family for their unwavering support throughout her campaign.
After securing a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, including CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, addressed a press conference to express their gratitude. They thanked PM Modi for his support and pledged to continue focusing on the development of the state. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also denied any contention over the CM's post and credited the alliance's victory to the support of the people and PM Modi's strong leadership.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expresses gratitude to her brother Rahul Gandhi for guiding and supporting her during her electoral debut in the Wayanad bypolls, where she gained a staggering lead of over 4 lakh votes. She also promises to be the voice of the people of Wayanad in Parliament.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance registered a thumping victory in Maharashtra, leading in 48 Assembly and 2 Lok Sabha constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and congratulated him on the alliance's win in the state. This is a developing story with more details to be added on the leading and winning candidates as well as reactions from other parties.
The Wayanad bypolls have caught the attention of the nation as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress candidate, is leading with a commanding margin of over 4 lakh votes. This could potentially surpass her brother Rahul Gandhi's victory margin in the 2024 parliamentary elections. With the counting of votes currently underway, all eyes are on Wayanad as the results have the potential to reshape the political landscape of Kerala.
In the ongoing Rajasthan bypolls, the BJP and Congress party are facing unexpected competition from the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) candidates, with the BAP candidates leading in two out of the seven seats. The Jhunjhunu seat saw a direct contest between BJP and Congress, while the Chorasi seat witnessed a fight between BJP and BAP candidates. In other seats, there was a close fight between BJP and Congress. The results of these bypolls may affect the political landscape in Rajasthan.