Bengaluru Airport strengthens Mpox Screening: quarantine

In light of the growing threat of mpox, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has stepped up its preventive measures. With around 2,000 international passengers being screened daily, airport authorities are working hard to stop the virus from entering Karnataka. The situation has become more urgent after India confirmed its first mpox case.

Stricter Mpox Screening at KIA

In response to the first confirmed mpox case in the country, KIA has intensified its screening procedures. A spokesperson for Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) assured that the airport is fully compliant with health and safety guidelines set by relevant authorities. The spokesperson added that a designated officer is managing the screening, testing, and tracking of passengers, ensuring the processes run smoothly.

Stricter Mpox Screening at Bengaluru Airport; **pic credit:** The New Indian Express

To enhance surveillance, four dedicated testing kiosks have been set up to monitor international passengers, particularly those coming from African nations, where mpox outbreaks have been more severe. Passengers are subjected to temperature checks, and anyone showing symptoms is immediately taken for further testing.

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The measures were increased after a 26-year-old man from Haryana tested positive for mpox and was admitted to Delhi’s LNJP Hospital. Following this, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued an advisory to all states and union territories, urging them to tighten surveillance and testing at airports, including Bengaluru.

National Health Ministry’s Vigilance

The Union Health Ministry had already issued advisories to key entry points, including airports and seaports, instructing them to be vigilant and proactive in managing suspected cases. Other cities such as Hyderabad and New Delhi have also heightened their alert, given their large populations of African students and travelers.

Government Boosts Monitoring at Entry Points — *Health Ministry Issues Advisory for Enhanced Surveillance; **pic credit:** Firstpost*

In Tamil Nadu, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine is focusing on travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other Central African countries, where the mpox outbreak has been particularly concerning.

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Isolation and Quarantine Protocols

The BIAL spokesperson confirmed that any individual testing positive for mpox would be isolated and placed under a 21-day quarantine. These protocols are similar to those implemented during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. This quarantine period is crucial to prevent the virus from spreading within the community.

21-Day Quarantine Protocol for Positive Cases — *Isolation and Quarantine Measures in Place; **pic credit:** Times of India*

The airport’s medical team, guided by health authorities, is prepared to handle potential cases. Medical officers are monitoring passengers for symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, severe headaches, muscle stiffness, and back pain. A senior medical officer at KIA stressed the importance of early detection, noting that untreated cases could become life-threatening. With no specific treatment available for mpox, immediate testing and quarantine are essential to preventing its spread.

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Global Concerns and Mpox Transmission

The mpox virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated materials. In some cases, it can spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact. Between 2022 and March 2024, India recorded 30 cases of the older clade 2 strain of mpox. However, the newer clade 1b strain, which is more transmissible, has caused heightened concern globally.

Rising Mpox Risks Highlight Global Threat — *Global Concern Over Mpox Transmission; **pic credit:** The Economic Times*

Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “The current surge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the virus, is an emergency not just for Africa but for the entire globe.”

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This new strain’s rapid spread highlights the need for countries like India to remain on high alert. Although the number of mpox cases in India remains low, the country’s health authorities are taking all necessary precautions to curb the virus.

Final Thoughts

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has implemented robust measures to prevent the spread of mpox in Karnataka. With rigorous screening, testing, and quarantine protocols in place, the airport is well-prepared to deal with the potential threat of this virus. As global outbreaks continue, these proactive steps are vital to protecting public health.

By adhering to strict safety standards and collaborating with health authorities, Bengaluru airport sets a key example for other entry points across the country. As the situation unfolds, ongoing cooperation between officials, medical teams, and passengers will be crucial in preventing the spread of mpox, both in India and globally.