Bihar Government Sets Up Health Desk at Patna Airport for Monkeypox Prevention

Bihar's Health Department has advised district administrations and hospitals on Monkeypox prevention, urging officials to educate the public about the viral disease. The Patna district administration has instructed the civil surgeon to establish a health desk at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport promptly.

Surveillance Measures at Airports

Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh stated, "While no case has been reported so far, airport officials and the district civil surgeon have been asked to ensure close surveillance of incoming travellers." He added that officials must document the travel history of all international visitors to Patna for the past 21 days. The health desk at Patna airport will be operational within 24 hours of the advisory's issuance.

Monitoring Incoming Travellers

Officials from the Inland Navigation Authority in Gaighat, Patna, have also been instructed to closely monitor international travellers arriving by ship. "While no case has been reported so far in the district as well as in the state, we are taking all preventive measures following the advisory," said Singh.

Hospitals and government health centres have been directed to notify relevant authorities if any Monkeypox cases are detected. They have also been instructed to reserve beds for isolating patients who test positive for the disease. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already issued an advisory to states' Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) due to Monkeypox cases being reported in several countries.

The advisory aims to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent an outbreak. By setting up health desks and monitoring incoming travellers, Bihar hopes to stay ahead of any potential spread of Monkeypox within its borders.