Monkeypox scare in Mumbai: BMC sets up special ward in SevenHills Hospital

Mumbai: BMC has set up a 14-bed ward at SevenHills Hospital in Marol as a precautionary measure against monkeypox, a viral fever that leads to rash and flu-like symptoms. The World Health Organisation recently declared monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern.

Although no monkeypox case has been reported in India so far, the Union ministry last week issued guidelines on the management of the disease. BMC too held a meeting on Wednesday with airport authorities; the Airport Health Officer (APHO) department has already begun thermal screening of citizens coming from monkeypox-affected countries.

BMC officials clarified that as monkeypox has been reported in Pakistan and Sweden, screening of passengers will begin at Mumbai airport. "APHO will screen citizens coming from African countries, where the monkeypox outbreak emerged. Also, a health information desk has been set up at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport," said the BMC press release.

If a passenger is suspected of having monkeypox, the person will be sent to SevenHills Hospital for isolation and further treatment.