Congress Leader Urges Maharashtra CM for Monkeypox Protocol at Mumbai Airport

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan urged Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to implement strict testing and quarantine measures at Mumbai airport due to Monkeypox concerns. With the virus reaching Pakistan and WHO declaring it a public health emergency, proactive steps are needed to prevent its spread to India.

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Saturday urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to implement a strict testing and quarantine protocol at Mumbai airport in light of the rising Monkeypox concerns. The World Health Organisation has declared Monkeypox a public health emergency, and the virus has now reached Pakistan.

Chavan emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that timely action was necessary to prevent severe consequences. He stated, ''It has reached our neighbourhood. We have to act. I have urged the CM to implement a strict testing and quarantine protocol at the Mumbai airport for all incoming passengers from high-risk countries.''

Earlier, the Union health ministry noted that there were no reported cases of Monkeypox in India but assured that precautionary measures will be in place to control the disease's spread. While the possibility of a few imported cases over the coming weeks isn't ruled out, the risk of a large outbreak in India remains low.