Lahore Airport has been placed on high alert after the emergence of monkeypox (mpox) cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). In response, the Border Health Management convened an emergency meeting with all airport managers, tightening protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

As part of the precautionary steps, thermal scanners have been installed at Lahore airport to monitor incoming passengers, and passengers as well as the airport staff have been instructed to wear masks. Passengers arriving at the airport are also required to wear masks, according to the Airport Manager, Nazir Ahmad Khan.

“Fumigation is already underway at the airport, and isolation rooms are being established for any suspected monkeypox cases,” Nazir Ahmad Khan stated.

Punjab Health Department instructions

The Punjab Health Department has issued additional directives to airport authorities across the province, including the establishment of isolation rooms. In collaboration with health officials, the airport management has developed protocols for quarantining and managing suspected mpox patients.

According to health department guidelines, aviation will be alerted if the symptoms of monkeypox are identified in a passenger, and those exhibiting temperatures above 97°F will be quarantined. The patient will then be handed over to Border Health Management for further screening.

Airline crews have been instructed to separate suspected patients from other passengers while still on board, allowing them to disembark at the end. Rescue 1122 services will transfer suspected cases to designated hospitals, where patients will remain in isolation until test results confirm the diagnosis.

Airport staff will also operate thermal scanners around the clock in three shifts. Plans for personal protective equipment (PPE) provision and PCR testing facilities for airport staff are in the works, ensuring heightened protection for personnel.

Punjab designates 6 hospitals

Meanwhile, Punjab’s health department has allocated six hospitals across the province to handle suspected monkeypox patients. In Lahore, General Hospital has been designated for treatment, while other hospitals include Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi, Allied Hospital in Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Hospital in Sialkot, and Nishtar Hospital in Multan. Bahawal Victoria Hospital has set up an isolation ward for Bahawalpur patients.

Suspected patients coming from abroad will be transferred to these hospitals that have been directed to set up quarantine wards for monkeypox patients.

Karachi airport on alert

In Karachi, the Sindh Health Department has implemented similar arrangements. According to Dr. Zafar Mehdi, spokesperson for the Karachi airport health team, two Rescue 1122 ambulances have been stationed at the airport, and complete medical check-ups of incoming passengers are being conducted.

“Tests will be conducted on any passengers showing symptoms, and they will be isolated in government hospitals until test results are received,” he said.

Monkeypox transmission

Addressing the situation at a press conference, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for National Health, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, clarified the origins and transmission risks associated with monkeypox. "This virus first appeared in Africa in 1974 and is primarily found in animals but has now infected humans. To date, Pakistan has reported only one case of mpox,” Dr. Mukhtar said.

He explained that the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, often infecting those in close proximity to the patient. Although the virus is not as dangerous as COVID-19, Dr. Mukhtar stressed the importance of immediately isolating patients and taking timely preventive measures.

“All passengers arriving from abroad are being screened, and their families should take necessary precautions,” he urged.

As the nation braces for potential mpox cases, health officials are urging citizens to remain cautious while reiterating that the situation remains under control, with all necessary measures in place to prevent an outbreak.