Airports on alert after mpox scare

As the first case of mpox was confirmed in Pakistan, the National Institute of Health (NIH) said Wednesday there is no evidence of localized transmission of the viral disease in the country.

A traveler who recently arrived in Pakistan tested positive for mpox and has been isolated at a hospital in the federal capital, along with other individuals who are being tested, a health ministry press release said.

Mpox - which spreads via close contact and tends to cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions - was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in July 2022.

On November 28, 2022, the WHO named the disease mpox to replace the older term monkeypox, citing concerns of stigma and racism associated with the name.
In Pakistan, the NIH, provincial health departments, border health services and district health authorities have been advised to ensure surveillance through laboratory diagnostics, contact tracing, rapid identification of suspected cases, and to provide care and isolate cases to prevent transmission.

Since May 2022, 22 samples were tested from inspected cases from different parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it has implemented certain steps at all airports across the country in light of the guidelines issued by the Border Health Services (BHS).

CAA Public Relations Officer Saifullah said in a statement that the managers of all international airports are holding regular meetings with other agencies to prevent and control the disease.

“In the event of a suspected mpox passenger on a flight, the passenger will not use the normal route to exit the airport,” he said. “The airline will carry out the passenger’s immigration while undertaking precautionary measures, including wearing gloves and masks.”

The BHS and airline staff would then transport the patient to the hospital in an ambulance.

 “In case of a high number of suspected or confirmed cases, the airline will be responsible for transferring the patients to quarantine facilities while teh BHS will provide support,” Saifullah said.

In case the situation involved deportees, the airline would inform the BHS three hours prior to landing.

He said suspected or confirmed cases should be moved to the back of the plane and should be seated with an empty seat between them. “Ground handling agencies are providing masks and gloves to wheelchair handlers. Baggage handlers are disinfecting luggage as it arrives through fumigation.”

He said the luggage area, medical inspection area, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) counters, corridors, escalators, and all adjoining areas are being sprayed with disinfectant.

“The BHS is already present at the airports and will soon be deployed in cargo areas. Porters will be wearing gloves and masks while trolleys are being washed regularly with soap and water.”

He assured that the BHS and CAA are ensuring the disinfection of staff lifts and handrails and that the authority is closely monitoring the disposal of aircraft waste under predefined standard operating procedures (SOPs).

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM REUTERS