Instructions for isolation of suspected monkeypox patients in the country

Monkeypox is spreading across the world and creating panic among the people before they could take a break from coronavirus. Hundreds of patients with the disease have been identified in several continents, including Europe and America. Therefore, the Department of Health has warned to prevent this disease in the country. Besides, the Department of Health has directed to make arrangements for isolation of suspicious and sympathetic monkeypox patients in Dhaka as well as to send information about them to the Disease Control Branch and IEDCR.

These instructions have been given in a letter signed by Prof. Dr. Md Nazmul Islam, Director, Disease Control Branch, Department of Health recently.

The letter said that monkeypox patients have been identified in different countries of the world including Africa, Europe and America. Monkeypox is not a new disease, it is considered endemic in West Africa or Central African countries. While previously identified only among travelers or residents of West Africa or Central African countries, there is no recent travel history, and monkeypox has been identified among people living in Europe and America.

Patients who have had a rash and have recently traveled to countries where there are confirmed cases of monkeypox, or who have been in contact with a person or people who have had a similar rash or have been identified as a confirmed or suspected monkeypox patient, should be included in the list of suspected monkeypox patients.

The letter further said that suspicious and symptomatic patients should be arranged for isolation at the nearest government hospital or infectious disease hospital, Dhaka. They have to send their information to the Disease Control Branch and IEDCR.

At the same time, the Department of Health has directed the international airports and land ports of the country to keep a watchful eye on the passengers coming from the affected countries and to intensify health screening to prevent monkeypox.