Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has introduced four Mpox screening stations to detect potential cases of the viral disease among international travelers. These stations, part of a broader set of preventive measures, are aimed at controlling the spread of Mpox, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency. All international passengers arriving at the airport are being screened for elevated body temperature and other symptoms of Mpox. Those who test positive will face a mandatory 21-day quarantine, similar to protocols adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) confirmed that the airport has implemented comprehensive safety protocols to safeguard public health. “All international passengers arriving at the airport are being thoroughly checked for elevated temperatures as part of the screening process,” the spokesperson said.
Current situation in India
As of now, India has reported only one confirmed case of Mpox, but it is not the Clade 1b strain, which WHO has identified as the more dangerous variant. The reported case in India is considered to be of a less virulent strain, posing a somewhat lower risk than the version of the virus flagged in global alerts.
Nevertheless, authorities remain vigilant. The safety measures at Bengaluru airport reflect heightened concerns about travelers coming from regions with a high incidence of Mpox, particularly from African nations where the virus is more prevalent. Early detection and isolation are key strategies to prevent a wider outbreak.
Key safety protocols for Mpox at Bengaluru airport
The measures put in place at the airport to mitigate the risk of Mpox transmission include:
- Screening for Symptoms: All arriving international passengers are checked for elevated body temperatures, a common early symptom of Mpox. Any individual displaying symptoms like fever or a rash is immediately flagged for further testing.
- Isolation Zones: A designated isolation zone has been established at the airport to quickly manage potential Mpox cases. Passengers suspected of having the disease will be moved to this area for further testing and evaluation.
- Enhanced Monitoring for High-Risk Areas: Passengers arriving from countries with high Mpox rates, particularly in Africa, are subject to closer monitoring and more rigorous screening procedures. This precaution is meant to catch potential cases early and prevent transmission within India.
- Mandatory Quarantine: If a passenger tests positive for Mpox, they will be required to undergo a 21-day quarantine, mirroring the isolation procedures implemented during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The individual will be tested again before being released to ensure they are no longer infectious.
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Global Mpox situation
Mpox, initially identified in primates, is a viral disease that can spread to humans through close contact with infected animals or through human-to-human transmission via bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While the disease is generally self-limiting and resolves within a few weeks, severe cases can occur, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
On August 14, the WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency, underscoring the global health community’s concerns about the virus. Public health efforts worldwide have focused on isolating infected individuals, controlling outbreaks, and ensuring proper infection prevention and control measures are in place.
In neighboring Pakistan, a suspected case of Mpox was reported at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where a passenger arriving from Jeddah showed symptoms of the disease. This highlights the importance of vigilant screening measures across all international borders.
As the global response to Mpox intensifies, airports like Bengaluru are stepping up their preventive measures, aiming to protect public health and prevent another widespread outbreak.
