Central Government forms task force to closely monitor Monkeypox virus cases in India | Asia’s first death reported in Kerla

The Central Government has formed a Task Force to closely monitor the emerging situation in the country and decide on response initiatives to tackle the spread of the disease.

It will also provide guidance to the government on the expansion of diagnostic facilities in the country and explore emerging trends related to vaccination for the disease.

The task force will be headed by Dr. VK Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog and members include the Secretary of Union Health Ministry, Pharma, and Biotech, sources added. Notably, this latest development comes after India reported its first death linked to the disease, which was declared a ‘global health emergency by the WHO earlier this month.

Delhi reported its first and India’s fourth case of Monkeypox on Sunday. 

A UAE-returned 22-year-old man with monkeypox symptoms passed away in Kerala’s Thrissur district on Sunday. 

The State Health Minister Veena George announced that she is undertaking a high-level inquiry to look into the case. Additionally, The health department has been tracing and contacting people the man had been in touch with to isolate and monitor them.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 18,000 cases have been reported from 78 countries.

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