Ebola Scare: Andhra Pradesh Boosts Airport Screening

In response to the escalating Ebola virus situation in three African nations, the Andhra Pradesh government has implemented a series of stringent precautionary measures. Enhanced disease surveillance is now active at international airports, and dedicated isolation wards are being set up in Government General Hospitals.

Passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, will be subject to screening. Those displaying symptoms will be quarantined, with their co-passengers and close contacts also undergoing testing. Surveillance will extend to individuals arriving by road and sea routes.

Fifteen-bed isolation wards are being established in Government General Hospitals situated in cities with international airports. To prepare for emergencies, frontline health workers have been sensitized, and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits have been stocked. The state government has also formulated an action plan to manage any potential emergency.

Individuals with a recent travel history to the affected countries are advised to monitor their health for 30 days. They should immediately contact district health authorities if symptoms develop. India has not reported any Ebola cases to date.