Delhi has reported India’s first confirmed case of mpox, a disease previously known as monkeypox, marking a significant development in the country’s public health landscape. The patient, a 26-year-old male from Hisar, Haryana, was admitted to Lok Nayak Jay Prakash (LNJP) Hospital with symptoms consistent with mpox.

The diagnosis was confirmed by Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj during an unannounced inspection of the hospital on Tuesday. Minister Bharadwaj was at LNJP Hospital to assess the facility’s readiness to manage both mpox and dengue cases. The patient, who recently traveled from a country with ongoing mpox transmission, is currently isolated in a specialized ward at the hospital.

Health officials reported that the patient, who was admitted on Saturday, is stable and showing only genital ulcers and skin rashes, without any accompanying fever. The patient remains in good condition and does not have any systemic illness or pre-existing conditions.

Minister Bharadwaj addressed public concerns, emphasizing that mpox is transmitted through direct contact rather than through the air, thus reducing the risk of widespread transmission. He assured the public that there is no immediate threat to the general populace. The Union Health Ministry has classified this case as “isolated,” and no broader public health concerns have been identified at this time.

LNJP Hospital has been designated as the primary treatment center for mpox in Delhi, with 20 isolation rooms available, including 10 specifically for confirmed cases.

Minister Bharadwaj also noted that the hospital has protocols in place to manage dengue patients separately. He outlined measures for the identification and segregation of dengue cases from other patients in emergency situations, ensuring that they are moved to designated wards promptly.

Delhi’s health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to manage and contain potential cases of the disease.

For ongoing updates and more information, the public is encouraged to stay informed through official health channels and reports.