The monkeypox virus is spreading rapidly all around the globe. Health facilities in India are on the lookout for people who might experience an unexplained rash. They are also keeping a check on people who, in the last 21 days, have travelled to a country that has recently had confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox. Indian airports too are on high alert after the three reported cases of Monkeypox in Kerala. As of now, several Indian airports have been put on high alert by the Centre and states. Read on to know more about all the airports where states have issued directives for both travellers and authorities.
Odisha Airport
Even though Odisha hasn’t reported any cases of Monkeypox till now, the state is still maintaining strict surveillance. Health Minister Naba Kishore Das said that the airport officials are instructed to monitor international passengers. He added that the administration has been keeping a close watch on the situation.
Delhi Airport
News agency PTI reported quoting sources that Delhi airport is instructed to refer international arrivals exhibiting symptoms of the viral infection to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital. The Delhi government’s Directorate General of Health Services said on Monday, “It is mandatory for all health facilities to notify any suspect case of monkeypox to the concerned District Surveillance Unit and must be referred and isolated at the reserved ward of Lok Nayak Hospital in coordination with District Surveillance Officers.”
Reviewed the Monkey Pox situation in Delhi along with CS, Secy Health, DGHS & others concerned.
Was apprised of preparedness in terms of medical services, hospital infrastructure, tracing, testing, surveillance & clinical mgmt.— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) July 25, 2022
Karnataka Airport
As instructed by Bengaluru’s department of health and family welfare, authorities are keeping a watch on passengers arriving from affected countries or from international airports. This directive was issued after WHO stated how Monkeypox is a Global Public Health Scare. The Karnataka health department has also tightened surveillance at entry points in the state.
WHO Director-General @DrTedros‘ full statement on the press conference following the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee regarding the multi-country outbreak of #monkeypox https://t.co/HD2jbyOVXE pic.twitter.com/19uLxNy5rC
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 23, 2022
Tamil Nadu Airport
The Tamil Nadu Police and Health Department has tightened surveillance at international airports and has set up teams at all four airports in the state to screen passengers arriving at the state from international destinations.
Goa Airport
Goa Health Department has also strengthened surveillance as Goa is one of the most sought-after international tourist destinations in India. Health Department Director Dr. Geeta Kakodkar, after receiving the guidelines circulated by WHO on Monkeypox said, “We have circulated it to IMA doctors and government medical officers. We will take samples even if it is chicken pox case and will send it to (the NIV) Pune.”
LIVE: Media briefing on #monkeypox with @DrTedros https://t.co/2DkNE1eeoU
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 23, 2022
Kerala Airports
Kerala was the first one to report a Monkeypox case in India. Keeping the same in mind, health minister Veena George instructed airports to make international travellers undergo thermal scanning to check for symptoms of monkeypox. Apart from this, health desks have been set up at all international airports, and facilities for vaccination are available in all 14 districts.
Also read: India Issues Travel Advisory For International Passengers After Confirmed Case Of Monkeypox
Which communities are most at risk of #monkeypox in the current outbreak and why? What can we do to fight stigma?
Watch WHO’s @ANJSeale explain in Science in 5. pic.twitter.com/sIAm2ScOsX
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 23, 2022