Mpox: What are the preventive measures at the country’s airports? 

As the global threat of Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) continues to rise, Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and other airports across Bangladesh have intensified their preventive measures to mitigate the risk of the virus entering the country.

The airports have implemented comprehensive health screenings for all incoming passengers, utilizing thermal scanners to detect elevated body temperatures—a common early symptom of Mpox.

Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, where recent cases of Mpox have been reported, maintain direct air links with Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh.

In response to heightened concerns over Mpox, Dhaka Airport Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam emphasised the importance of vigilance among airlines and airport authorities to prevent the spread of the virus.

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"We have informed airlines to be vigilant," he said, highlighting the proactive measures being enforced at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

He further explained the protocols in place, noting that any passengers exhibiting symptoms would be promptly offloaded at their origin before reaching Bangladesh. 

"If there are any symptoms, they will be offloaded at the origin," he added, underscoring the strict screening processes designed to minimise risks.

The airport director also reassured the public that if any symptomatic individuals do manage to travel, they will be detected upon arrival in Dhaka. 

"If anyone is travelling with symptoms, they will be detected and counselled here for further action," he said, indicating the airport's readiness to handle potential cases through immediate intervention and guidance.

Group Captain Kamrul Islam also confirmed to Dhaka Tribune that passengers showing any signs of the virus, such as skin lesions or fever, will be immediately transferred to one of several designated hospitals, including Kurmitola General Hospital and the Infectious Diseases Hospital, for further testing and isolation if necessary.

In addition to temperature checks, airlines operating in Bangladesh have been directed to remain vigilant and report any passengers who may display symptoms of Mpox during flights.

Despite these precautions, the airport director reassured the public that "No cases have yet been identified with the virus."

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan said that the authority is coordinating closely with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Ministry of Health to ensure that all protocols are strictly adhered to.

He stressed the importance of these measures, particularly given the recent identification of Mpox cases in several countries with which Bangladesh maintains air connectivity.

Chittagong’s Shah Amanat International Airport has also initiated measures to curb the Mpox virus, according to Group Captain Taslim Ahmed. A directive was issued on Saturday night, with specialist doctors now monitoring the airport 24/7 for any cases.

Global concerns

Mpox, a viral disease first identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has seen a resurgence in recent years, spreading to multiple regions across Central and East Africa.

The World Health Organisation has declared Mpox a global public health emergency due to its rapid transmission and significant mortality rate, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare.

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The virus, which can cause severe skin rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, has now spread beyond Africa, with cases being reported in various countries, including Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

The global spread of the disease has prompted many nations to strengthen their health screening and quarantine protocols, particularly at points of entry such as airports.

In Bangladesh, the government remains on high alert, with health authorities urging citizens to report any symptoms related to Mpox within 21 days of international travel.

The public are also advised to contact health hotlines, such as 10655, if they suspect they may have contracted the virus.