Pune Airport Steps Up Ebola Screening

In response to the World Health Organization declaring the Bundibugyo virus Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Pune International Airport has ramped up its health surveillance and preparedness. Officials confirmed on Thursday that comprehensive response mechanisms are now in place, adhering to national health advisories.

A multi-agency meeting, including airport authorities, immigration, customs, and airlines, was convened to review and coordinate readiness measures. As part of the enhanced protocol, all arriving international passengers are currently undergoing health screening. This includes the distribution and scrutiny of self-declaration forms, alongside thermal screening and risk assessment.

Airport personnel and other agencies are undergoing regular training and personal protective equipment drills. Public awareness materials detailing the disease and preventive measures have been displayed throughout the terminal. This proactive approach ensures that any suspected cases are promptly referred for further medical evaluation as per national protocols.

For confirmed or suspected cases, three hospitals in Maharashtra have been designated as referral facilities: Naidu Hospital in Pune, Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai, and AIIMS Nagpur. Health officials have been monitoring passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, with recent tests on two suspected individuals returning negative. No confirmed Ebola cases have been detected at the airport to date.