Bengaluru airport to screen international passengers with thermal scanners, impose 21-day quarantine amid mpox scare

The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is implementing thermal scanning for international passengers amid global mpox concerns.

Published on: Sep 18, 2024, 17:00:16 IST

By Yamini C S

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International travellers arriving at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) are now required to pass through thermal scanners as part of heightened surveillance measures in response to the ongoing global mpox (monkeypox) situation. This initiative, implemented by the Airport Health Organisation (APHO), aims to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff, The Hindu reported.

Passengers showing symptoms will be isolated and tested at the Bengaluru airport, with measures in place to ensure health and safety for all travellers. (PTI)

ALSO READ | India reports first mpox case, health ministry says no widespread risk

Passengers exhibiting symptoms associated with mpox, such as elevated temperatures, will be isolated and tested in accordance with government protocols, the report noted. In the event of a positive test result, the APHO will promptly arrange for the affected individual to be transferred to a designated hospital for appropriate medical care.

ALSO READ | Is there an Mpox vaccine, and how does it work? All you need to know

A spokesperson for Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which is the operator of KIA, emphasized that the airport is fully prepared to comply with all relevant health and safety protocols in light of an mpox outbreak.

ALSO READ | Monkeypox scare in Bengaluru: Karnataka health dept ready with 50-bed isolation ward

“All international passengers arriving at the airport are being thoroughly checked for elevated temperatures as part of the screening process. In addition, an isolation zone has been established on site to manage any suspected cases swiftly and efficiently. Our medical services, under the guidance of health authorities, are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. The health and safety of passengers and airport personnel remain our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of precautionary measures,” a BIAL spokesperson said, as quoted by the publication.

In a previous statement, the BIAL had said, “We are conducting screening and temperature checks of international passengers, and if anyone is found with the symptoms, we send them for a 21-day quarantine.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yamini C S
Yamini CS is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with nearly six years of experience in digital journalism. She is part of the India News desk, where she works on a wide range of stories cutting across civic issues, city-based developments, politics, governance, public policy, breaking news, trending topics, and international affairs that have an impact on India. Her role involves tracking fast-moving developments, verifying information from official and on-ground sources, and presenting news in a clear, accessible format for a digital-first audience. A significant part of her work includes handling live blogs during major news events, such as elections, court verdicts, political developments, civic disruptions, protests, weather-related alerts, and unfolding national or international incidents. Through live coverage, she focuses on timely updates to help readers follow complex stories as they evolve. Before moving to the broader India News desk, Yamini was associated with the Bengaluru desk at Hindustan Times, where she extensively covered urban governance, infrastructure, traffic and transport issues, weather events, public grievances, and civic administration in the city. This experience strengthened her grounding in city reporting and sharpened her focus on citizen-centric journalism. She began her career as a correspondent with Reuters after completing a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media. Her early training instilled a strong emphasis on accuracy, sourcing, and news ethics, which continue to shape her reporting style. Outside of work, Yamini enjoys reading across genres, listening to music, and spending time with her family, which help her maintain balance in a fast-paced newsroom environment.Read More

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