New Delhi: In response to the global Mpox outbreak, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has ramped up its health and safety measures. The airport has installed monkeypox testing kiosks to screen international passengers, particularly those arriving from African countries, for the Mpox virus. Those who test positive will be subjected to a 21-day mandatory quarantine and isolation, mirroring the protocols implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.KIA is fully prepared and compliant with all health and safety protocols issued by relevant authorities in light of the global Mpox situation, stated a spokesperson from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). The airport is rigorously checking all international passengers for elevated temperatures as part of the screening process to prevent the viruss spread.Current status of Monkeypox in IndiaAs of now, only one confirmed case of monkeypox has been reported in India. The patient, a 26-year-old man from Haryana, was admitted to LNJP Hospital after exhibiting symptoms. Reports indicate that his condition is stable. Notably, the identified case in India is not the Clade 1b strain of monkeypox, which is considered more virulent and has been detected in regions where monkeypox was previously unknown.Global health alert On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency, heightening global awareness and response efforts. In addition to the case in India, a suspected monkeypox case was reported at Karachis Jinnah International Airport. A traveler from Jeddah, arriving on a PIA flight, displayed symptoms consistent with monkeypox.What is MonkeypoxMonkeypox is a viral disease initially identified in primates, with transmission to humans occurring through direct contact with infected animals or person-to-person contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While monkeypox typically resolves on its own within a few weeks, severe cases can occur, necessitating robust public health measures, including isolation, infection control, and vigilant outbreak monitoring.
