The Border Management Authority (BMA) says they have put plans in place to deal with the outbreak of Mpox. This comes days after the National Department of Health announced that 13 people have been infected by the infectious virus with the death toll remaining at two. 

SCREENINGS

BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said that the authority is implementing screening processes for travellers entering the country at all ports of entry. He explained that at the airports, the first phase of screening occurs when the captain of the aircraft and crew members provide a general declaration of health. "This is a document 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. The process that follows is where travellers are subjected to thermal screening to check the temperature. This screening of temperature is implemented at land and sea ports as well. Should the traveller present with an elevated temperature, such traveller will be isolated and assisted with further screening," said Masiapato. He added that this process will involve interviews to establish if the travellers are experiencing other symptoms.

INVESTIGATIONS 

Masiapato added that the BMA port health officers will also conduct their own general and non-invasive observation of the traveller under investigation. "BMA Port Health Officers are well trained to be vigilant to observe for any lesions and other symptoms during their operations at the ports. In any incident, should there be a case presented to the BMA 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," said Masiapato. "We are also in close collaboration with the communicable disease facilities in the districts in order to respond swiftly and ensure immediate reporting of any suspected traveller that meets the Mpox disease symptom profile," he said. Masiapato said communication between the BMA and the National Department of Health, encourages travellers to continue taking their chronic medication as people with chronic conditions have presented more severe manifestations of symptoms. "We also encourage travellers suspecting any symptoms to seek medical care immediately, especially those who have a travel history to areas with cases of Mpox," said Masiapato.