Testing, 21-day quarantine: How Bengaluru airport is on high alert amid mpox outbreak

After the first mpox case was confirmed in India, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has intensified efforts to counter the growing threat of this viral disease.

In response to the ballooning concern, the Union Health Ministry had earlier issued advisories to major entry points such as airports and seaports across states and Union Territories, instructing them to stay vigilant and manage suspected cases effectively. 

So, what exactly is being done at Bengaluru Airport, and how will this affect international passengers? Let’s dive into the details

Stepping up vigil
Kempegowda International Airport has established four dedicated testing kiosks to screen international passengers, especially those arriving from African nations.

With around 2,000 passengers being screened daily, airport officials are enforcing strict protocols to prevent the virus from entering Karnataka.

A spokesperson for Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) told The Times of India, “KIA is fully prepared and compliant with all health and safety protocols issued by relevant authorities in light of the global mpox situation.

All international passengers are being thoroughly checked for elevated temperatures as part of the screening process.”

The spokesperson added that a designated officer is overseeing the entire operation, ensuring the screening, testing, and tracking processes run smoothly.

These heightened measures come after a 26-year-old man from Hisar, Haryana, tested positive for mpox and was admitted to Delhi’s LNJP Hospital. Following this, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued an advisory to states and union territories, urging them to enhance surveillance and testing efforts.

Earlier, in Tamil Nadu, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) heightened alert levels. Airport Health Officers and Port Health Officers focused on passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African countries, where mpox outbreak has been more severe.

Additionally, both Hyderabad and New Delhi — cities that are popular among African students pursuing higher education — were placed on heightened alert.

What other measures have been taken?
The airport’s medical services, guided by health authorities, are ready to handle potential cases, the BIAL spokesperson said.

If any individual is found to be tested positive for the mpox virus, will be isolated and placed under a 21-day quarantine, following similar protocols to those used during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The health and safety of passengers and airport personnel remain our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of precautionary measures,” the spokesperson further said.

In addition to testing, the airport will keep track of the symptoms exhibited by any of the passengers, which include fever, skin rashes, severe headaches, muscle stiffness, and back pain.

The senior airport medical officer told The Times of India, “Seeking immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur is important, as untreated cases could become life-threatening. There is currently no specific treatment for Mpox, making early detection and containment crucial to prevent the spread.”

The mpox virus occurs through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated materials. The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets, especially in prolonged close contact.

Following treatment, individuals will undergo re-testing, and only once the virus is confirmed to be eradicated will they be released, the BIAL spokesperson said.

The clade 1b variety, known for its higher transmissibility through close contact, has caused global concern, especially after recent outbreaks in Africa and Sweden.

While India has not reported any recent outbreak, between 2022 and March 2024, the country has recorded 30 cases of the older clade 2 strain.

Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the IHR Emergency Committee, had told The Indian Express, “The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa but for the entire globe.”

“Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself,” he said.

Source: https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/testing-21-day-quarantine-how-bengaluru-airport-is-on-high-alert-amid-mpox-outbreak-13815711.html