India ramps up vigilance as monkeypox threat looms

The Indian government has ordered heightened vigilance at the country's borders due to the risk of monkeypox (mpox) spread, according to Report, citing the ANI agency citing official sources.

"We have alerted airports, ports, and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan," stated the officials. Staff members have been instructed to closely monitor arriving foreigners for potential symptoms of the disease.

Preparations are also underway to set up isolation facilities in major hospitals across the nation. Sources suggest that the current monkeypox outbreak differs from previous ones, but the likelihood of a severe epidemic remains low.

Monkeypox, a rare viral disease, is characterized by symptoms such as fever, intoxication, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that progresses from spots to blisters, which eventually form ulcers when they rupture. The infectious disease typically lasts 2-4 weeks with spontaneous recovery, although severe cases can lead to fatal outcomes.