Monkeypox Virus! How Will It Impact Aviation Again?

Monkeypox is becoming a hot topic worldwide as cases continue to rise. You might wonder: will aviation services be affected again? Will we see new travel restrictions or even another lockdown? This article aims to address those concerns.

At the time of writing, Monkeypox cases are increasing globally, and although vaccines are available, there’s still much uncertainty. Here’s everything you need to know as an air traveller.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, part of the same family as smallpox and cowpox. First identified in Central and West Africa in the 1950s, Monkeypox is typically a self-limiting disease, with symptoms lasting between 2 to 3 weeks. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 20 days. Although less severe than smallpox, the virus can have a mortality rate of between 1% and 10%.

7 Must-Know Symptoms of Monkeypox

To know whether you have the recent monkeypox virus, there are some symptoms you should be looking for. This disease has its very own characteristics and distinctive symptoms. The disease is characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and widespread rash and itching. Rashes usually appear on the face and limbs of the patient. Other symptoms also include;

1. Intense Headache
2. Lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes)
3. Muscle ache (Myalgia)
4. Backache
5. Chills 
6. Exhaustion (asthenia)
7. Fluid-filled painful lesions

The question that arises is how Monkeypox is any different from other viruses despite having very similar symptoms? Even Though Monkeypox has similar symptoms as Herpes, Chickenpox, Syphilis, and Smallpox, it still has its own identity, with swollen lymph nodes being the differentiating and distinctive feature. Secondary infections and immune deficiencies can worsen these symptoms. In severe complications, there is the involvement of the central nervous system and airways compromise.

How Is Monkeypox Transmitted?

Monkeypox primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, including monkeys, squirrels, or rodents. Transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or consuming undercooked meat from infected animals. Human-to-human transmission happens via respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials like bedding. It’s important to note that Monkeypox isn’t sexually transmitted but can spread through physical contact. Infected individuals are advised to isolate for 2 to 3 weeks to prevent further spread.

How Can Air Traveling Escalate To Monkeypox?

Air travel is not just about flying; it involves interacting with people from different parts of the world, especially in confined spaces like aeroplanes. Given Monkeypox is airborne, the virus can easily spread among passengers sitting close to an infected individual. Breathing the same air for extended periods, along with the close seating arrangements, increases the risk of transmission.

While the risk of contracting Monkeypox is highest in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, recent outbreaks in countries like the UK, the US, and Europe have shown that it’s no longer limited to specific regions. Air travellers should be aware of the risk, especially if flying to or from affected areas.

Aviation Risking the Escalation of Monkeypox

Although Monkeypox is less severe than COVID-19, it can still spread via air travel. Given its transmission method through respiratory droplets, passengers and tourists should be cautious. Recent outbreaks have been reported in countries such as the UK, US, Spain, and others. Without proper precautions, infected individuals travelling between cities and countries could accelerate the virus’s spread.

Top 9 Measures to Avoid Monkeypox While Travelling

To avoid the widespread of this infection, the travellers should take protective measures against Monkeypox that are they should induce protocols.

1. N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used while in aviation. 
2. Proper gloves and gear should be worn while handling an infected animal. 
3. Cuts should be prevented from any sort of infectious contact in order to prevent viral entry into the blood. 
4. Close contact with adjacent passengers should be prevented. 
5. Products of sick passengers should be avoided, like their food, lotions, creams, clothes, makeup, etc.
6. Unnecessary wandering in the airport and airplane should be avoided. 
7. Travellers should prevent contact with dead or live wild animals. 
8. Air passengers should keep in mind the fact that there is no vaccine discovered and no specific treatment for this infection to date. 
9. Some antiviral drugs show some action against Monkeypox, such as cidofovir, brincidofovir, and tecovirimat. 

If it is inevitable for a person not to aviate, the administration of a vaccine for smallpox may also help in defence averse to Monkeypox. 

But now you must be thinking, why is the vaccine for smallpox being administered as prevention for Monkeypox? Well, it is 85% effective in the case of Monkeypox. Travellers should practise and maintain good hygiene so that if there is any accidental contact of the traveller with a patient, he might tend not to acquire the disease, as maintaining personal cleanliness provides immunity against diseases.

What Can Be The Role Of An Air Traveler In Reducing Monkeypox?

Air travellers can also play an important role in reducing their exposure to the virus by educating the neighbouring passengers about Monkeypox and its protective measures. 

But what if the travellers themselves observe any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms? What are they supposed to do? 

If travellers or tourists notice any of the already mentioned characteristic symptoms of Monkeypox, especially the Blistering of skin and swelling of lymph nodes, they should isolate themselves and apply soothing lotions on rashes to ease the pain. They should cut off unnecessary connections and activities with normal people to prevent the spread of infection. Isolation is recommended in this case.

They should remain in the City or Country in which they were affected until and unless no more symptoms appear. People travelling to endemic areas should avoid contact with the local animals, and they should also avoid eating uncooked food. Travellers should avoid markets and farms. If dealing with an animal is necessary, they should wear proper gloves and gear. Sanitisers should be used habitually if you have been around a sick person or animal.

Good hygiene and a balanced diet can make a traveller more immune to such infections, so you better take care of your health. 

Final Thoughts

Since aviation is the greatest source of travelling all around the world, it is also the greatest source of worldwide infection spread; there is no denying that it can cause a great spread of these contagious diseases. So you have it all with its pros and cons. The only thing one can contribute to this situation is to take care of all the measures and check ourselves regularly for all the signs and symptoms to save ourselves and our loved ones from these life-threatening diseases and infections. Travellers from all around the world should keep all the important points in their mind so that they can refrain themselves and others from such health-harming diseases.

Although the talk about mandatory quarantines and vaccines are spreading again to the surface. We hope that Aviation will not be severely affected by this virus as was the case with COVID-19.

For airline pilots out there, don’t forget to always stay healthy! Here are 5 helpful tips!

Monkeypox is still new, and doctors and scientists will require time to figure out solutions to cure the disease; until then, you need to take your own precautions! Stay safe!