India has issued advisory for country’s airlines operating on international routes to ensure detection of Ebola virus from four Western African countries, which forms the epicenter of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

New Delhi, Aug 13/Nationalturk – With deadly Ebola virus causing more deaths in four Western African countries, India has issued advisory for country’s airlines operating  on international routes.

“In order to prevent Ebola virus entry and spread of dead Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directives to all airlines operating on international routes,” an official spokesman said.

He said the airlines have been asked to make announcements in flight for self-reporting by travellers who have any signs or symptoms of EVD.

“Travellers on flights will be given the health-form for submitting information regarding visit to any affected West Africa country during last  21 days and having symptoms of EVD during travel or on arrival in India,” the spokesman said.

Advisory details provided to airlines

He said “Advisory for Airlines on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)” and “Advisory for specific public health measures for travellers suspected of EVD” has also been provided to airlines.  “All the airlines are requested to arrange distribution of the proforma to all the passengers and crew members before they disembark in India.”

The official said airlines have been directed to keep a record of all passengers or families, who are returning to India after staying or visiting West African countries especially the four affected countries and to inform the concerned officials.

The airlines have been directed that list of passengers boarding from affected countries must be sent in advance to the station of arrival in India for further action.

India’s health ministry officials said the cabin crew of different airlines would be sensitised towards the nature of EVD to enable them to understand the issue and deal more effectively with the passengers.

“Health Ministry will train the immigration officers at the identified airports on how to deal with the passengers travelling from the affected countries,” they said.

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Asia News/ NationalTurk India News