Aiims delhi issues sop for handling patients with monkeypox symptoms

Aiims delhi issues sop for handling patients with monkeypox symptoms

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi on Tuesday laid down the protocol for handling patients with suspected symptoms of monkeypox.

In a circular, AIIMS Delhi said, ‘Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although clinically less severe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, thereby requiring heightened awareness, rapid identification, and stringent infection control measures to prevent further spread.

1x1 polls This SOP outlines the necessary steps to handle monkeypox cases in AIIMS Emergency Department.’ The standard operating procedure issued by the institute for the global outbreak are as follows Screening in triage area Upon arrival, patients with fever, rash, or a history of contact with confirmed monkeypox cases should be flagged for immediate assessment.

Identify key symptoms: fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and characteristic skin lesions (maculopapular rash that may progress to vesicles and pustules).

Isolation/ holding area Immediately place suspected patients in a designated isolation area to minimize contact with other patients and staff. AB-7 Beds no. 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 has been earmarked to isolate the monkeypox patients.

These beds will be allotted to the monkeypox patients on the recommendation of the Emergency CMO and treated by the Medicine department AB-7 shall remain a temporary holding area for the patient till he/she is shifted to the hospital earmarked for the definitive care (Safdarjung Hospital).

Notification to IDSP

Inform the officials of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) with contact no. 8745011784 when a suspected case is identified. Provide them with the patient's details, brief history, clinical findings and contact details.

Referral to Safdarjung Hospital

As informed by Safdarjung Hospital has been designated for managing and treating monkeypox patients. Accordingly, any patient suspected of having monkeypox should be referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Ambulance

A dedicated ambulance has been allotted to shift the patients to Safdarjung hospital. The Emergency staff has to inform the ambulance coordinator on the mobile number 8929683898 to shift the suspected monkeypox patient to Safdarjung hospital.

Patient handling and isolation

All patients should be handled with strict infection control measures. Staff should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with suspected cases.

Documentation and communication

Proper documentation of the patient's details, symptoms, and referral process should be maintained.

This protocol should be disseminated to all relevant departments and staff to ensure a coordinated and effective response to suspected monkeypox cases.