India is on high alert for deadly Ebola virus and screening passengers at airports.
New Delhi, Aug 22/Nationalturk – India is on high alert for deadly Ebola virus and is keeping track on tests of 496 passengers, who arrived in the country from abroad recently.
“During past 48 hours, over 145 passengers arrived at the Airports in the country from abroad. On Wednesday 49 arrived in Mumbai airport, 53 in Delhi, 12 in Chennai, 11 in Kochi, 14 in Bangalore and 6 in and Ahmedabad,” an official of Indian health ministry said.
He said five passengers were found to have contact history with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) positive case. “Their details have been passed on to Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for further tracking and necessary ‘contact’ management.”
The official said Indian Medical Association has been apprised to create awareness among its members on Ebola Virus Disease.
Authorities have set up Quarantine cum Isolation Health Facility at Delhi Airport for admitting any suspect case for observation/testing.
“No EVD suspect has been admitted in the quarantine-cum-isolation health facility,” the official said adding 496 passengers are being tracked for EVD.
IDSP is tracking 496 passengers
“IDSP is tracking such passengers , the details of which are provided to them by the Airport Health Organization. On Wednesday , 61 passengers were enrolled for follow up in their respective States through State IDSP units. As on date, a cumulative number of 496 passengers are being tracked. Most of them are in the States of Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu,” he said.
India screening passengers at airports
Indian officials are constantly screening passengers arriving in India from the West African countries affected by Ebola.
“Health officers posted in identified international airports all over India are screening passengers (originating / transiting from affected West African countries) getting off aircraft. Till now all those arriving have been found to be healthy,” the officials said.
Indian government has advised Indians against non-essential travel to four West African countries –Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria – which form the epicenter of EVD.
According to World Health Organisation, over 1200 people have died of EVD in four West African countries so far.
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