Heightened Vigilance Needed at Transport Hubs

As cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) resurge globally, the need for heightened alert and robust safety measures at transportation hubs like airports and seaports cannot be overstated.

The recent resolution passed by the Iloilo City Council, urging safety protocols at Iloilo International Airport and local seaports, underlines the critical role these hubs play in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

While the world has already endured the devastating effects of one global pandemic, the reemergence of mpox serves as a stark reminder that vigilance must be maintained, particularly in places where people congregate in high numbers. Transport hubs, with their steady flow of travelers from various regions, are fertile grounds for the rapid transmission of communicable diseases.

The latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) shows that mpox cases have now risen to 17 in the Philippines, with the majority traced to close contact or sexual transmission. New research also suggests that the virus can spread not only through intimate contact but also via respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as linens or clothing. This raises concerns about how quickly it can be transmitted in crowded areas, including those with high turnover like airports and seaports.

Given this evolving threat, Iloilo’s proactive approach is commendable. The resolution suggests enhanced surveillance, including thermal scanners and health declaration systems—measures that are crucial in early detection and containment of mpox. These steps are not only timely but necessary to protect the public from both local transmission and potential importation of the virus via travelers.

But these measures should not be confined to Iloilo. Across the country and globally, transport hubs must adopt comprehensive safety protocols, including visual surveillance and contact tracing, to identify potential carriers before they enter the general population. As international travel resumes, the risk of cross-border transmission increases, necessitating a coordinated response among countries to prevent mpox from becoming another global health crisis.

Moreover, public awareness campaigns on how mpox is spread, emphasizing its new modes of transmission, are vital. The misconception that mpox only affects certain demographics—such as men who have sex with men—needs to be corrected. Mpox can affect anyone who comes into close contact with an infected individual or contaminated objects, and its symptoms, including rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, may not always be immediately recognized. By educating the public, we can empower individuals to take preventive measures and seek medical advice if they suspect exposure.

Ultimately, the resurgence of mpox is a sobering reminder that public health safety measures cannot be lax, especially at critical points like transport hubs. As the virus evolves, so must our strategies to detect and contain it. Early intervention, widespread surveillance, and public education are key to ensuring mpox does not become the next global pandemic.

This time, we must act before it’s too late.