Johannesburg – The Border Management Authority (BMA) on Tuesday announced that visitors to the country were now being screened for Mpox at ports of entry.
The move comes in the wake of an Mpox outbreak in which 13 cases have been confirmed this month by laboratories. At least two patients have died from the deadly disease.
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BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato said port health officials developed an outbreak preparedness plan that outlines the response when dealing with Mpox.
“The current response plan has been activated to respond since 13 cases have been confirmed by the National Department of Health,” said Commissioner Masiapato.
“The Border Management Authority is implementing screening processes for travellers entering the country at all ports of entry.”
Commissioner Masiapato explained that at airports, the first phase of screening occurs when the conveyance operator which 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,” Commissioner Masiapato said.
“This is in terms of International Health Regulations.”
Commissioner Masiapato outlined the process that follows where travellers would be subjected to thermal screening to check their temperature.
This screening of temperature is implemented at land and seaports as well.
Should a traveller present with an elevated temperature, they will be isolated and assisted with further screening.
This will involve interviews to establish any other symptoms.
The BMA Port health officer 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,” Commissioner Masiapato said.
“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.
“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 traveller that meets the Mpox disease symptom profile.
“BMA port health officials have also elevated the focus to be on health education and awareness to travellers.
“At this stage, there have been no incidents of Mpox suspicions detected in the ports of entry thus far.”
