ICT admin intensifies mpox screening at airport

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration has intensified its efforts to ensure the safety of citizens in response to the growing threat of monkeypox.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon recently inspected the screening measures at the Islamabad Airport to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to an ICT spokesperson, the DC arrived at Islamabad Airport to review the current screening procedures for passengers arriving from abroad. After the inspection, the DC directed health officials to speed up the screening process, ensuring that no passenger goes unchecked.

He directed that if any symptoms of monkeypox were detected, the patient would be immediately isolated and transferred to PIMS Hospital for further care. He further stated that PIMS Hospital had been prepared to handle monkeypox cases, with special arrangements made to isolate and treat affected patients.

An outbreak of mpox in Democratic Republic of Congo caused by two different forms of mpox, an endemic form and a new offshoot called clade Ib, has caused global concern after it spread to more countries in Africa.