- By Nidhi Giri
- Sat, 24 Aug 2024 12:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
MPox Virus: Rising global threat of monkeypox, or m-pox, has worried Bengaluru officials over public health. In this regard, the Karnataka government on Friday announced the creation of an isolation ward for any suspected or confirmed cases of m-pox in the state. This ward will contain 50 general beds and five Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. The initiative has been taken to contain the possible spread of m-pox, and for taking correct measures in time.
Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, minister for medical education, on Friday informed that the isolation wards with all required equipment will be set up in Victoria Hospital's 'H' block under the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI). While addressing media at the Vikasa Soudha, Patil said the government has also started free testing for the m-pox virus at Victoria Hospital, considering the number of visitors to Bengaluru from various foreign nations. The health facility is equipped with RT-PCR testing kits and other tools.
"As of now, there is no need to panic since no case has been reported so far; neither in Karnataka or in India. On the other hand, the central government has already issued guidelines for the management of monkeypox. The guidelines serve as an advisory to the doctors," Patil added.
Upon being asked about starting screening tests at Bengaluru Airport, the minister said they are monitoring the situation there, despite no guidelines from the Centre have been issued so far. Patil said the state government will wait until the central government makes the testing at the airport mandatory. Till then, the facilities are kept ready for any sudden case.
"Considering that Bengaluru has an international airport, the state government is being vigilant to deal with any case that is reported suddenly. We have already made the arrangements at the Victoria Hospital, with isolated beds," said Patil.