Mpox High Alert at Bengaluru Airport
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has been placed on high alert following the detection of India’s first Mpox case in New Delhi. With the Mpox high alert at Bengaluru airport in effect, screening tests for international passengers have begun as part of safety protocols. A 26-year-old man from Haryana was infected with the Mpox virus, which is known for its ability to spread from person to person.
In response, Mpox High Alert at Bengaluru Airport has led to the establishment of four Mpox screening stations at the airport. Here, authorities are closely examining all international passengers for symptoms such as elevated body temperature and signs of the disease. The Bengaluru airport health alert is part of a broader initiative to control the potential spread of the Mpox virus.
In a statement, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said, “Considering the global Mpox situation, Bengaluru airport has activated all necessary safety protocols. We are conducting thorough screening and temperature checks of international passengers. If any passengers display Mpox virus symptoms and spread, they will be quarantined for 21 days.”
The Mpox high alert at Bengaluru airport also includes heightened vigilance for passengers arriving from regions with high Mpox infection rates, especially from African countries. Any passenger testing positive will face mandatory 21-day quarantine as part of the Bengaluru airport safety measures. These health screening protocols mirror those implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Union Health Ministry confirmed that the individual who tested positive for the Mpox virus has been isolated, with contact tracing underway to track potential transmission. This highlights the risk of Mpox transmission in airports and the need for stringent safety protocols at entry points like Bengaluru airport.
Karnataka’s health department has announced proactive steps to address the situation. Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister, Sharan Prakash Patil, assured the public, stating, “There is no need for panic; all necessary precautions have been taken, including Bengaluru airport Mpox screening and isolation measures.” Testing facilities are available at Victoria Hospital, and isolation beds have been set up to manage any positive cases. Tests are being conducted free of charge for all suspected cases.
Meanwhile, India has recorded one confirmed case of Mpox in a 26-year-old man from Haryana, currently in stable condition at LNJP hospital. This case is not of the Clade 1b strain, which is the more virulent form of the virus seen in some regions. Nevertheless, the Mpox high alert at Bengaluru airport remains critical to preventing further spread of the disease.
Safety Protocols at Bengaluru Airport
The safety protocols enforced under the Mpox high alert at Bengaluru airport include:
- A dedicated isolation zone to manage potential cases and ensure rapid intervention.
- Enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving from areas with a high incidence of Mpox cases, particularly from African countries.
- A mandatory 21-day quarantine for individuals testing positive, following procedures similar to those applied during the Covid-19 pandemic. Travelers will only be released after testing negative.
Mpox Declared a Health Emergency
On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Bengaluru airport’s health screening at international airports and robust quarantine measures for Mpox travelers play a critical role in containing the virus.
Elsewhere, a suspected Mpox case was reported at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. A traveler arriving from Jeddah exhibited symptoms matching Mpox, further underscoring the importance of airport health protocols in managing viral outbreaks.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, a viral disease first identified in primates, can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or from person to person via bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While the disease often resolves on its own, severe cases may occur. Public health strategies are focused on isolation, infection control, and the monitoring of potential outbreaks to prevent further Mpox virus spread at Bengaluru airport and beyond.
The Mpox high alert at Bengaluru airport continues to be a critical component in preventing the spread of the virus within India, ensuring the safety of passengers and the general public.