Former CM Chavan Urges Immediate Action on Monkeypox at Mumbai Airport

Former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan has urged immediate implementation of testing and quarantine at Mumbai Airport to combat the monkeypox virus. In a letter to CM Eknath Shinde, Chavan highlighted the WHO's public health emergency declaration and stressed timely action to prevent the virus from entering India.

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, has called for the immediate establishment of testing and quarantine facilities at Mumbai Airport in response to the global monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak. Chavan issued a letter to state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday, urging swift action.

“The WHO has declared Mpox a 'public health emergency.' The virus, originating from Africa, is spreading rapidly and has reached Pakistan. Proactive steps are essential to prevent its entry and transmission within India,” Chavan stated emphatically, warning that any delay could lead to severe consequences.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern due to a surge in cases in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries. Confirmed cases have appeared in 10 African nations, and Pakistan has reported its first cases. The Swedish government confirmed its first case of Mpox on Thursday, the first instance outside Africa.