The Border Management Authority (BMA) said its port health officials have developed an outbreak preparedness plan to deal with the spread of Mpox, at all the country’s ports of entry. This as the Department of Health has confirmed fatalities in the country, with 13 laboratory cases confirmed in the country.
“The Border Management Authority is implementing screening processes for travellers entering the country at all ports of entry.
“Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato has highlighted that in the airports, the first phase of screening occurs when the conveyance operator, who is the captain of the aircraft and crew members provide a general declaration of health. This is a document that is required to be completed by all conveyance operators where they declare that no travellers have reported or were found to be ill on board. This is in terms of International Health Regulations,” said BMA spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi.
According to the BMA, travellers will be subjected to thermal screening for checking temperature, and the screening of temperature is implemented at land and seaports as well.
“Should the traveller present with an elevated temperature, such traveller will be isolated and assisted with further screening. This will involve interviews to establish experiencing of other symptoms.
“The BMA Port health officer will also conduct their own general and non-invasive observation of the traveller under investigation,” explained Mogotsi.
The BMA is confident that its Port Health officers are well equipped to observe any symptoms and should there be a case presented to the authority that would need further referral to a health facility, “arrangements have been made with ambulance services from the Department of Health for referral to healthcare facilities.”
The BMA highlighted that it is collaborating with the communicable disease facilities in the districts, to ensure swift response and ensure immediate reporting of any suspected traveller that meets the Mpox disease symptom profile.
Mpox is a rare viral infectious disease in humans caused by the monkeypox virus.
Although the virus is not highly transmissible from person-to-person, it has increased in global public health significance and can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.
Most people fully recover, but some get sick.
