Amid a rise in cases of monkeypox globally, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi on Tuesday (August 20) released a protocol for dealing with patients with suspected monkeypox. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox or Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern on August 14. AIIMS Delhi said that the standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines the steps required to handle monkeypox cases in the AIIMS emergency department. Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis with symptoms similar to those seen in smallpox patients in the past, although clinically less severe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, which requires increased awareness.
Also read: Monkeypox Cases Rising Worldwide | More than 18,700 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Africa since January, health agency claims
Protocol for dealing with patients with suspected monkeypox
1. Screening in the triage area:
Upon arrival, patients with fever, rash, or history of contact with confirmed cases of monkeypox should be marked for immediate evaluation.
Recognize the key symptoms: fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and characteristic skin lesions (maculopapular rash that may turn into vesicles and pustules).
2. Isolation/holding area:
Immediately place suspected patients in a designated isolation area to minimize contact with other patients and staff.
AB-7 Bed Nos. 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 have been earmarked for isolating monkeypox patients.
These beds will be allotted to monkeypox patients on the recommendation of the emergency CMO and treated by the Department of Medicine. AB-7 will remain a temporary holding area for the patient until he is shifted to the designated hospital (Safdarjung) for intensive care.
