Monkeypox: Day After First Case, ICMR Says 15 Labs Trained For Virus Detection

New Delhi: India is ready to tackle a possible outbreak of monkeypox.

A day after the first case was reported from Kerala, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Friday informed that 15 research and diagnostic laboratories have been trained across the country for detection of the virus.

“To help the country’s preparedness for monkeypox detection, 15 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories across the country, which are geographically well distributed and strategically located, have already been trained in the diagnostic test by ICMR -NIV, Pune,” ICMR tweeted.

The Union Health ministry rushed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Kerala to collaborate with the state’s health authorities after a man from Kollam district, who returned from the UAE, tested positive for the virus.

The high-level central team comprises experts from National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and a senior official from Ministry of Health.

“The team will work closely with State Health departments and take stock of on-ground situations and recommend necessary public health interventions,” the Health ministry said.