Suspected mpox case in Hamirpur

A case of a person infected with suspected monkeypox (Mpox) disease was reported in the district yesterday evening but the health authorities were still tight-lipped and not divulging details. It has been learnt that a skin expert at a private clinic reported the matter to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) today but the authorities were yet to confirm the disease.

The infected person reportedly has a long travel history and has visited abroad. He has come home in the district on vacation. The WHO and the Union Health Ministry have issued special advisories for the handling of Mpox.

Dr Parveen Chaudhary, Chief Medical Officer, said that he had no information about the detection of an Mpox case. Instead, he suggested that the skin specialist, who had reported the matter, be contacted. He refrained from divulging any information or issuing any health tips to people on the disease.

Meanwhile, Dr Sanjay Jagota said that he was on leave but if such a case was prevalent, the patient should stay in isolation. He added that Mpox was not prevalent in Himachal and could be suspected only in persons with an international travel history.