Bengaluru: Airport Enforces 21-Day Quarantine and Testing for International Travellers Amid Mpox Surge

Bengaluru, September 18: As the number of Mpox cases in the country spikes, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru imposes' COVID-like' restrictions on travellers. International travellers from Mpox-affected countries must now follow new safety measures. They are required to undergo testing and adhere to a 21-day mandatory quarantine. This decision comes after a recent Mpox case was reported in Delhi, prompting immediate action to prevent further spread of the virus.

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has established four dedicated testing kiosks to screen all incoming international travellers. To enhance safety, the airport is currently conducting screenings for approximately 2,000 passengers daily. A designated officer has been appointed to manage and ensure the efficiency of the screening, testing, and tracking processes, aiming to effectively control the spread of Mpox. Mpox Scare: Karnataka Government Chairs High-Level Meeting To Evaluate Monkeypox Situation, Reserves 50 Beds in Bengaluru.

Mpox, once called Monkeypox, is a global health threat. It's an RNA virus with a high transmission rate and can sometimes cause serious health issues. However, The WHO says Mpox is not likely to become a pandemic but advises everyone to follow safety protocols and stay alert to symptoms. To prevent the spread of Mpox, follow these key safety measures: practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, wear masks in crowded areas to reduce the risk of infection, and get vaccinated if a vaccine is available. These steps are crucial due to the virus's high transmissibility and rapid spread. Mpox Vaccine: WHO Grants First Mpox Vaccine Approval To Ramp Up Response to Viral Disease in Africa and Beyond.

India has reported its first confirmed case of travel-related Mpox, a strain from western Africa. The patient is stable, with no severe illness, and has been isolated. The virus strain is similar to cases seen in India since July 2022 but is not part of the current WHO public health emergency. The government is updating health protocols and briefing healthcare workers. Mpox, primarily spread through sexual contact, has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Over 100,000 cases have been reported globally.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2024 02:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).