Strict Protocols Urged at Mumbai Airport Amid Monkeypox Concerns

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has called for stringent testing and quarantine measures at Mumbai airport to prevent Monkeypox spread. Chavan highlighted WHO's declaration of Monkeypox as a public health emergency and urged proactive steps. The Union Health Ministry noted no current cases in India but stressed caution.

Amid growing concerns over Monkeypox, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to enforce strict testing and quarantine protocols at Mumbai airport for passengers from high-risk nations.

Chavan emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing the World Health Organisation's declaration of Monkeypox as a public health emergency, with the virus spreading to neighboring Pakistan. He stressed that proactive steps are essential to prevent its incursion into India.

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has reassured that no Monkeypox cases have been reported in India so far, although precautionary measures will be implemented. Despite the low risk of a large outbreak, strategies include monitoring and quarantine protocols at airports to curb potential cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)