In response to the growing concerns over the spread of monkeypox, Pakistan has ramped up health screenings at its international airports. On Thursday alone, over 18,000 passengers arriving on 135 international flights were screened, according to sources cited by Geo News.
The screenings were conducted nationwide, with Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport screening 4,595 passengers, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport screening 4,964 passengers, and Islamabad International Airport screening 4,790 passengers. Additional screenings took place at airports in Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, Faisalabad, and Quetta.
This heightened vigilance follows strict guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health on August 20, mandating preventive measures at all international airports to counter the global monkeypox outbreak. The guidelines include screening and isolation protocols, with health clearance now a requirement for visa issuance on arrival.
The move comes after Pakistan reported its first mpox case linked to a new variant that emerged in Sweden on August 15, which is part of a larger outbreak originating in Africa. Monkeypox, a viral disease related to smallpox, can spread through close contact and contaminated materials, prompting these extensive measures to prevent its spread within the country.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has directed airlines to implement preventive measures such as providing masks, sanitizing hands, and disinfecting luggage. Additionally, thermal scanning and visual inspections are now standard at all entry points to detect potential mpox cases, with isolation areas set up for any passengers displaying symptoms.
The Border Health Services (BHS) is overseeing the coordination of these efforts, ensuring that suspected cases are safely isolated and transported to medical facilities while also maintaining surveillance and reporting to health authorities.
These actions aim to safeguard public health by preventing the spread of mpox, with continued monitoring and strict adherence to health guidelines at all of Pakistan’s international airports.
