Monkeypox spread, former Chief Minister seeks urgent monitoring mechanism at airports
Following Pakistan's recent report of three Monkeypox cases, Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has called for stringent testing and isolation measures at Mumbai Airport. In a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chavan emphasized the urgent need for enhanced protocols for travelers arriving from high-risk countries, citing the lessons learned from inadequate COVID-19 measures.
Chavan highlighted the rapid spread of Monkeypox, a virus now reaching Pakistan, and urged the government to act swiftly to prevent its entry and transmission within India. He warned that delays could lead to severe consequences if an infected person arrives undetected.
On the same day, August 17, the Union Health Ministry confirmed that there are currently no Monkeypox cases in India. However, they are implementing precautionary measures to monitor and control any potential outbreaks. The Ministry noted that while the risk of a large-scale outbreak is currently low, they are preparing to manage any imported cases with heightened vigilance.
The Health Ministry's statement assured that testing laboratories are ready and health facilities are being equipped to handle possible cases. Monkeypox is generally self-limiting and patients usually recover with supportive care. Despite the low risk, Chavan's call for proactive measures at Mumbai Airport underscores the need for vigilance in preventing the spread of the virus.