Mon Sep 09 15:12:37 UTC 2024: ## Lax Screening for Mpox at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Raises Concerns

**Nairobi, Kenya** – Despite the World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency concerning the Mpox outbreak in Africa, travellers arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are not being subjected to rigorous screening for the virus. This has sparked concerns amongst travellers and health experts.

While airports globally are implementing health checks for those arriving from affected countries, passengers at JKIA reported minimal screening procedures. Some travellers claim they only underwent passport checks and were asked about their yellow fever vaccination status.

“We are from a global conference where we interacted with people from around the world and just arrived at JKIA where there’s actually no one to screen us for Mpox or even ensure our body temperatures are not above 38 degrees Celsius,” said Mercy Khavere, a traveller who recently returned from Rwanda.

According to port health officials, they are monitoring temperature sensors remotely and only intervene if an individual registers a temperature above 37 degrees Celsius. However, this passive approach has been criticized as insufficient given the potential for Mpox transmission.

The lax screening at JKIA contrasts starkly with measures implemented in other countries. The United States, for example, is conducting Mpox screening at several major airports, deploying epidemiologists, laboratorians, and risk communication experts to support response efforts. India has also developed an RT-PCR kit specifically designed for Mpox detection.

Kenya’s Health Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, acknowledged the need for more robust screening protocols and stated that port health officials are working on developing a protocol that includes screening questions to be adopted by all airlines entering the country.

The lack of effective Mpox screening at JKIA raises serious concerns about potential transmission within Kenya, especially considering the country’s proximity to several nations experiencing outbreaks. This situation underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

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