Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis whose symptoms resemble smallpox. However, the symptoms of monkeypox are less severe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a health emergency regarding the monkeypox outbreak. A large-scale awareness campaign is now being run regarding this. It is important to know how to immediately identify the symptoms of monkeypox and what measures to adopt for infection control. So that monkeypox can be prevented from spreading. Now necessary steps are also being taken in the emergency department of Delhi AIIMS regarding monkeypox.
- Screening in the triage area— Infected individuals who have fever, rash, or who have come in contact with infected monkeypox cases should be done immediately by identifying them. Identify the major symptoms of monkeypox, which include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and skin lesions.
- Isolation – Immediately place suspected patients in a separate isolation area to prevent other patients and staff from getting infected. Separate beds will be allocated for monkeypox patients and the medical department will treat them. AB-7 will remain a temporary ward for monkeypox patients until the patient is admitted to the hospital.
- In case of infection, inform this number- To deal with monkeypox, inform IDSP immediately. If a suspected case is identified, you can inform the officials of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program by contacting them at 8745011784. As information, details like the patient’s details, his history, etc. will have to be given.
- Referral to Safdarjung Hospital- Safdarjung Hospital is designated to care for and treat monkeypox patients. Anyone showing symptoms of monkeypox should be immediately referred to Safdarjung Hospital for proper care and treatment.
- Patient handling and isolation – All patients with ampox should be handled with strict infection control measures. Staff are advised to use personal protective equipment such as PPE when dealing with suspected cases.
- Documentation of infection- It is important to maintain proper documentation of patient details, symptoms, and referral process. This protocol needs to be kept in mind by all departments and staff while dealing with suspected monkeypox cases.