Bangladesh remains on high alert to prevent the highly contagious monkeypox, a rare viral disease, asking its officials of air, land and sea ports to be vigilant and isolate sick persons travelling from affected countries with symptoms or history of the disease. All gateways including air, land and waterways have been instructed to conduct screening of all passengers of monkeypox infected countries to stop possible transmission of the disease.
Monkeypox is most common in remote Central and West Africa. This rare viral disease was first reported in humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s. The Directorate General of Health Services is framing clinical guidelines to contain the outbreak of monkeypox as the monkeypox cases have been detected in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. Besides, it has also directed all relevant organisations to take emergency measures to prevent the virus.
At any entry point, anyone showing
signs of monkeypox should be
quarantined for at least 14 days
The government is monitoring the overall situation very carefully and closely round the clock. Bangladesh will collect data and information from different countries including affected ones. Based on collected information and data, it will take necessary measures in this regard.
Reportedly, around 80 monkeypox cases have been detected in 11 countries. The World Health Organization has already issued a warning that more cases may be detected. It said it was still trying to learn more about 50 other suspected monkeypox cases without naming any countries.
As the monkeypox enters the body through the nose, people have to protect themselves from it by wearing masks and washing hands frequently. The same rules apply for both coronavirus and monkeypox. Despite the fact that there is no specific treatment for monkeypox, health experts around the world claim that the smallpox vaccine is 85 percent effective in preventing the disease.
There are 28 points of entry to Bangladesh and these lands, sea, and air border crossing points can act as the gateway for the importation of infectious disease. At any entry point, anyone showing signs of monkeypox should be quarantined for at least 14 days.
Officials of all ports will have to work to identify travelers with symptoms as they transit through points of entry. Therefore, identification of passengers with monkeypox symptoms and subsequent referral for testing or quarantine will enable authorities to contain transmission of the disease.
