What measures are being taken to prevent monkeypox at the airports of Uzbekistan?

A series of measures are being implemented to prevent the introduction and spread of monkeypox at Uzbekistan's airports, according to a statement by "Uzbekistan Airports."

It is noted that, in accordance with the instructions of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Uzbekistan regarding the prevention of monkeypox, a number of sanitary and educational activities are planned at the country's airports.

In particular, on August 20-21, seminars on the etiology, clinical presentation, epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of monkeypox will be conducted for airport medical staff in collaboration with the Center of Sanitary and Epidemiological Peace of Civil Aviation Facilities.

Additionally, sanitary and educational efforts aimed at preventing monkeypox have been intensified at all international airports across the republic.

"Airport staff will receive simplified information about the disease, including an explanation of how some of the symptoms visually manifest. Furthermore, the sanitary-quarantine service will install infrared cameras at the airports to remotely detect passengers with elevated temperatures," the report stated.

The company's Department of Medical Supply Development, citing WHO data, indicated that the new strain of the disease is primarily spreading in African countries that do not have direct flights to Uzbekistan.

Earlier, the head of the Department of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Committee explained the measures being taken against the monkeypox virus in Uzbekistan.

It should be noted that the Swedish government recently announced the detection of monkeypox (M-pox) in the country. Since the outbreak of a new epidemic in late 2023, this was the first time the virus had been detected outside of Africa. Officials stated that the patient contracted the disease during a trip to Africa. Additionally, cases of monkeypox have been identified in Pakistan. The WHO has declared a global emergency due to the monkeypox virus. The organization emphasized that monkeypox (M-pox), whether a new or existing strain, is not the new COVID. The virus has also been detected in the Philippines.