Monkeypox: Screening to start at airports, land ports

The health directorate has issued an alert for all international airports and land ports in Bangladesh to launch monkeypox screening of all incoming passengers from countries where cases have been detected.

The health alert was issued in a circular yesterday, signed by Prof Nazmul Islam, Director (Disease Control) at the Directorate General of Health Services.

"Surveillance and health screening for passengers arriving from countries with monkeypox cases must be strengthened at all international airports and land ports," the circular read.

According to BBC, more than 80 monkeypox cases have been confirmed in at least 12 countries, including United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden.

The World Health Organization has said another 50 suspected cases are being investigated – without naming any countries – and warned that more cases are likely to be reported.

The recent outbreaks "are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries," the WHO said in a statement on Friday.

The virus does not spread easily between people, and the risk to the general public is considered low.

Monkeypox is most common in Central and West Africa's remote areas.

It's a rare viral infection that's usually mild and passes in a few weeks for most people.

There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but because the two viruses are so similar, a smallpox vaccination provides 85 percent protection.