New Delhi, India: In light of the ongoing global concern over Monkeypox, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has issued comprehensive guidelines for the management of suspected cases. The advisory aims to ensure timely identification, isolation, and treatment of patients, thereby minimizing the spread of the virus.
Key Guidelines:
- Immediate Assessment: Patients presenting with fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed Monkeypox cases must be flagged for immediate evaluation.
- Symptom Identification: Medics have been instructed to identify key symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and characteristic skin lesions.
- Isolation: Suspected patients should be immediately placed in a designated isolation area to prevent further transmission.
- Dedicated Isolation Beds: AIIMS Delhi has set aside specific beds (AB-7 beds no 33, 34, 35, and 36) for isolating Monkeypox patients.
- Referral to Safdarjung Hospital: Confirmed or suspected cases will be referred to Safdarjung Hospital for definitive care.
- Notification to IDSP: The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) must be informed about suspected cases, providing patient details, history, clinical findings, and contact information.
- Dedicated Ambulance: AIIMS has earmarked a dedicated ambulance to transport suspected Monkeypox patients to Safdarjung Hospital.
- Infection Control Measures: Medics must adhere to strict infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment.
- Documentation: Detailed documentation of each patient’s case, including symptoms, referral process, and treatment provided, is essential.
Safdarjung Hospital as Designated Center
Safdarjung Hospital has been designated as the primary center for managing and treating Monkeypox patients in Delhi. This ensures that patients receive specialized care and expertise in a controlled environment.
Preventing the Spread
By following these guidelines, AIIMS aims to effectively manage Monkeypox cases and prevent further transmission within the community. Early identification, isolation, and appropriate treatment are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of this infectious disease.