AIIMS Delhi Issues New Protocol For Handling Suspected Monkeypox Cases

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has issued a new protocol to manage patients with suspected monkeypox, which the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared a public health emergency of international concern.

Although India has not reported any monkeypox cases, the government is actively monitoring the situation as the disease spreads globally, including to previously unaffected countries.

AIIMS Delhi’s protocol details specific steps for handling suspected cases in the emergency department. The protocol instructs staff to immediately assess patients presenting with fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed monkeypox cases.

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Key symptoms to monitor include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and characteristic skin lesions that may evolve from maculopapular rashes to vesicles and pustules.

The protocol requires isolating suspected monkeypox patients in designated areas to prevent transmission to others. Beds AB-7 No. 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 are reserved for this purpose, based on recommendations from the Emergency CMO and managed by the medicine department.

AIIMS Delhi designate AB-7 as a temporary holding area until patients can transfer to Safdarjung Hospital for comprehensive care and treatment.

When identifying a suspected case, staff must notify the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) with detailed information about the patient, including their history, clinical findings, and contact details.

The protocol mandates strict infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by staff. Proper documentation of patient details, symptoms, and the referral process must maintain.

Monkeypox, a viral disease, causes fevers, headaches, muscle aches, and painful skin lesions. It spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact. Recent outbreaks, particularly in Kenya and other African nations, have heightened global health concerns.