Delhi Airport has issued a health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through nations affected by Ebola, according to information from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The advisory targets travellers coming from high-risk areas, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, compelling them to report to airport health officers before proceeding with immigration clearance.

As part of the advisory, passengers who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola cases must showcase heightened caution. They are instructed to report any symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or sore throat to the designated health desk at the airport.

The DGHS underscored the importance of immediate reporting, stating that individuals experiencing symptoms within 21 days of their arrival should seek medical assistance forthwith. Travellers must disclose their travel history to healthcare personnel, reinforcing the necessity for public compliance with health protocols.

Preparedness Efforts Amid Ongoing Outbreak

On May 20, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava convened a high-level review meeting with Health Secretaries from all States and Union Territories. The discussion revolved around enhancing preparedness and response strategies for the Ebola Virus Disease following recent developments.

Sources indicate that the Union Health Ministry has confirmed that no cases of Ebola have been detected in India to date. Nevertheless, in light of the World Health Organisation’s declaration of Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the Indian government has taken significant precautionary measures to bolster monitoring and readiness across the nation.

During the meeting, authorities were urged to maintain readiness at all administrative levels. Comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), addressing both pre-arrival and post-arrival procedures, quarantine protocols, case management, and laboratory testing, have been disseminated to all relevant States and Union Territories.

WHO Reports on Ebola Outbreak Dynamics

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently reported critical data regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak as of May 18. A total of 528 suspected cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, alongside 132 reported fatalities. Efforts to monitor and track contacts have identified 668 instances, including 541 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 127 in Uganda.

Challenges have arisen in maintaining contact follow-up due to security issues and movement restrictions in certain regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO has categorised the outbreak stemming from the Bundibugyo virus as a public health emergency, stressing the need for immediate action in the affected nations.

A statement released by the WHO highlighted that of the twelve suspected cases emerging from Uganda, two have been confirmed via laboratory assessments, while the remainder tested negative. The organisation is scaling up alert management and case investigations, aiming to contain the outbreak efficiently.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share