Ebola Fears: Andhra Pradesh Boosts Airport Screening

In response to mounting global worries about the Ebola virus, the Andhra Pradesh government has significantly amplified its precautionary measures statewide.

Specialized surveillance is actively being conducted for arriving international passengers at Gannavaram Airport, with screening tests implemented over the past 20 days. Passengers arriving from Singapore are subject to screening three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Last week, Haj pilgrims arriving at the airport also underwent thorough screening, even during non-traditional hours.

Fortunately, Dr. Sujana of GGH Vijayawada hospital reported that no passengers screened so far have exhibited Ebola-related symptoms. To manage potential cases, dedicated quarantine rooms have been prepared for isolation if necessary. The Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola causes a serious disease with a high mortality rate, and currently, no approved vaccines or specific treatments exist.

Internationally, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026. Consequently, recommendations were issued to enhance disease surveillance at points of entry and discourage travel to affected areas, as neighboring countries like South Sudan are at high risk.