India faces monkeypox alert as travelers undergo 21-day quarantine

International travelers arriving in India, particularly from African nations, are now subject to monkeypox testing at kiosks set up at Bengaluru airport. This measure follows the World Health Organization's declaration of a public health emergency due to monkeypox outbreaks in 12 countries, with a new variant detected in Congo that may spread more easily. As a precaution, anyone exhibiting symptoms will face a mandatory 21-day quarantine to prevent further transmission of the virus. The first confirmed case in India involved a 26-year-old individual from Haryana, who was hospitalized after showing symptoms of the disease. Monkeypox, a viral infection initially identified in primates, can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or through person-to-person interactions. Symptoms include painful rashes, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, which can significantly impact the health of those infected. Public health measures are being implemented to control the outbreak, focusing on isolation and monitoring. In addition to testing, new shipments of monkeypox vaccines are being distributed to bolster defenses against the virus. The WHO has expressed optimism that the outbreaks in Africa could be contained within six months, given the right public health interventions. As the situation evolves, authorities are on high alert to manage the risk of monkeypox spreading within India. The proactive measures taken at airports and hospitals reflect a commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing a larger outbreak in the country.