Odisha ready and prepared for monkeypox case management: Health Director

Bhubaneswar, Sept 9: Following the report of India's first suspected Monkeypox case, Odisha’s Health Department assured on Monday that the state is well-prepared to manage the situation. Dr. Bijay Mohapatra, Director of Health Services, stated, “There’s no cause for alarm. The suspect case has been isolated and is undergoing medical evaluation. We have heightened surveillance at international entry points, including airports and roadways.”

Dr. Mohapatra confirmed that this is the only case reported in the country so far, and the patient will remain isolated for the duration of the incubation period.

Typically, the incubation period for Monkeypox is between 7 to 10 days after exposure, though it can vary from 3 to 21 days. During this time, individuals are not contagious and may not exhibit symptoms.

Monkeypox symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, and painful skin lesions. The rash associated with the infection can appear as bumps, blisters, or red spots and may be painful. It can develop on various parts of the body such as the face, genitals, mouth, throat, hands, feet, chest, or anus, and progress through different stages.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Monkeypox as a viral zoonosis, transmitted from animals to humans, with symptoms similar to but less severe than those of smallpox. It is generally a self-limiting illness, with symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks.