Risk of Mpox Rising at Gaddachouki Border Due to Lack of Precautions
Hamrakura
Published 2024 Sep 12 Thursday
File Photo
Bedkot (Kanchanpur):The risk of Mpox infection is rising at Gaddachouki, Nepal's western border point, as precautions remain lacking despite a recent confirmed case in neighboring India. Around 300 people cross the border daily from India, but no screening measures for Mpox have been implemented yet, increasing the threat of infection.
The 'Health Desk' at Gaddachouki currently conducts screenings for diseases such as COVID-19, Dengue, and HIV/AIDS. However, due to insufficient equipment and lack of training, Mpox testing has not been initiated, according to Lakshmi Rimal Dhami, a lab technician at the border. "We don't have the equipment or training for Mpox. We rely on observing symptoms mentioned on social sites," Dhami said.
The absence of proper screening measures heightens concerns of a potential Mpox outbreak in the region.
