NEW DELHI: The central government on Thursday wrote to the states urging them to take necessary precautionary measures in the wake of the monkeypox threat. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to the states in this regard. The letter stated that doctors and health workers should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox. It also pointed out that there is a need for strict screening.

The Centre asked states to test and screen suspects at all points of entry. It also urged authorities to conduct regular orientation programmes for all health officials.The Centre’s advisory comes in the wake of the report that a person who returned to Kerala from the UAE has shown symptoms of monkeypox. This person has been hospitalized. His samples have been sent to the Pune Institute of Virology.