MP health department issue advisory after chickenpox outbreak

The Madhya Pradesh Health Department issued an advisory after 31 chickenpox cases were detected in seven districts in the state. Officials are instructed to stay alert regarding the prevention and treatment.

The advisory has been prepared to warn against the symptoms, transmission, and complications of chickenpox. It is a highly contagious disease and can infect children, pregnant women, and adolescents.

Health Commissioner and Secretary (Health) Dr Sudam Khade said chief medical and health officers of all districts have been directed to take action as per the advisory issued regarding the prevention and treatment of chickenpox.

The government order said it is necessary to isolate patients with chickenpox and monkeypox diseases. The CMHOs are also instructed to register cases of fever with rashes in the P form of the IHIP platform. More than one case from the same family or region should be put in the category of the outbreak. The occurrence should also be registered.

The public is to be adequately informed about the infection and medicines should be made available as per requirement. A combat team is also asked to visit the area. A rapid response team is also to be kept ready under the district surveillance officer to review the situation regularly.

District epidemiologists, district microbiologists, and district data managers are tasked with keeping a close watch and maintaining records. Government employees are also instructed to use masks, gloves, and PPE kits when interacting with a patient.

In the last month, 31 cases of fever with rashes have been registered in Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Datia, Neemuch, Bhopal, Dhar, and Khandwa districts. "A presumptive diagnosis of chickenpox has come up in the clinical examination of these cases," said the state official.