- Mpox testing kiosks set up at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
- 21-day quarantine for international travelers testing positive for the virus.
- India has reported a single confirmed Mpox case with mild symptoms.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has introduced Mpox testing for all international passengers, particularly those arriving from African countries.
The airport is fully equipped with testing kiosks, and passengers who test positive will be required to undergo a 21-day quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mpox Testing Begins at Bengaluru Airport, International Travelers Face Strict Quarantine
India has recorded only one confirmed case of Mpox so far, a 26-year-old man from Haryana whose condition is currently stable. Authorities are monitoring any additional suspected cases, with special attention to the highly contagious nature of the virus. Other countries, including Pakistan, have also reported potential Mpox cases, prompting global airports to adopt similar safety measures.
The World Health Organization has labeled Mpox a public health emergency, and airports worldwide are implementing stringent protocols. Bengaluru airport’s preparedness mirrors the strategies employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring all travelers are screened for elevated temperatures and other symptoms of the disease.
Though India has reported only one confirmed Mpox case, there is growing caution in light of global developments. The case in India does not involve the more severe Clade 1b strain, which has been detected in regions where the virus was not previously common. However, the spread of the virus in other countries raises concerns for global health officials.
In addition to India, a suspected Mpox case was flagged at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, further underscoring the importance of screening at ports of entry. Given the contagious nature of the virus and its mode of transmission through close contact, such measures are vital for limiting its reach. Airports remain critical checkpoints for detecting and isolating Mpox cases before wider community spread can occur.
With heightened screening protocols at international airports, including Bengaluru, public health officials aim to contain the spread of Mpox through early detection and isolation. Global cooperation will be key in mitigating the risk of further outbreaks.
“The introduction of Mpox testing at Bengaluru airport ensures the virus is contained before it spreads further, mirroring the precautions seen during COVID-19.”
