Monkeypox outbreak: Indian government asks to begin surveillance at international entry points

As the threat of Monkeypox has engulfed the entire globe, the government of India on Friday has ordered to start surveillance at all international entry points including airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

Samples from the travelers from Africa showing symptoms will be collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.

Confirming the initiative, a senior official said, "Send samples (to NIV, Pune) only in such cases where people display certain specific symptoms. Not samples of sick passengers."

The government has asked the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to keep an eye on the fresh health crisis emerging in Europe and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that it will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the outbreak of the disease. So far, more than 100 cases have been reported in Europe.