Karnataka Health department steps up vigilance for monkeypox at airports

BENGALURU: With the monkeypox outbreak in some countries, including neighbouring Pakistan, the state Health Department has heightened surveillance of passengers arriving in Karnataka at airports and sea ports.

The Health Department has issued a circular directing that passengers with suspected symptoms of monkeypox should be screened and to monitor international arrivals. The directive comes on the back of a central government advisory to monitor high-risk countries and to track passenger arrivals from there.

The state government has identified the Sir CV Raman General Hospital in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, and the Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru for treatment of suspected monkeypox cases. Samples from the suspect cases will be sent to the BAMC lab for testing, the circular said.