With the rising spread of monkeypox across the globe, the Indian government has initiated precautionary measures to prevent the virus from entering the country. Airport authorities have been instructed to screen passengers arriving from abroad before granting them entry.
Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease, also known as MPox. It does not spread easily between humans and primarily transmits from infected animals to humans. However, recent developments have raised concerns as the virus has begun spreading in various parts of the world.
In light of the increasing cases worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international public health emergency. While monkeypox was primarily confined to African nations, it has now started to spread to European and Asian countries, including Singapore, where 10 cases have been reported.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox in India, the government has intensified screening of passengers at airports and border crossings. In Delhi, three government hospitals are prepared to isolate and treat anyone infected with the virus. The central government has also directed state governments to ensure that hospitals are ready to treat monkeypox patients if cases arise.
Medical teams have been deployed at all international airports and seaports to monitor incoming passengers. While no cases have been reported in India so far, officials have confirmed that 32 laboratories across the country are equipped to test for monkeypox infections.
Since the beginning of the outbreak in 2022, monkeypox has affected 99,176 people across 116 countries, resulting in 208 deaths, according to the WHO.
India remains vigilant, with measures in place to safeguard public health against the potential threat of monkeypox.