Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Thursday issued an advisory over Ebola virus, asking sick passengers from or transiting through affected countries to “immediately” report to airport’s
health official.
This comes a day after Union health secretary held a high-level review meeting with the states on Wednesday to assess preparedness and response measures regarding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
According to the advisory, officials have advised thermal screening at airport on arrival. “Display of Health Alert at prominent places. Provision of adequate space for examination of suspect
Dedicated way for suspect travellers and ambulances to designated referral hospital,
as identified by State Health Authority,” the notice said.
“Arrange/facilitate aircraft disinfection, hand sanitizers, disposable bags for used PPEs. Facilitate orientation training for airport staff and all stakeholders by APHO
Airport entry pass facilitation for all concerned,” it added.
“At all immigration counters immigration officers should screen the travel history of travellers during past 21 days. They should collect the self-declaration form. They should report any traveller with history of travel to Ebola disease affected country to APHO.
Important note: Passenger data will be collected by Air Suvidha Portal or Self Declaration Form and forwarded to all stakeholders (APHO, immigration, State & district health teams) for follow up for next 21 days from date of departure from the Ebola disease affected countries.
Surveillance at Seaports: Similar protocol to be followed as in case of airports,” the advisory said.
“Daily monitoring by District Surveillance Units for a period of 21 days. In case of development of any symptom suggestive of Ebola disease, contact the
District Surveillance Officer/Municipal/Corporation Health Officer. Passengers who are coming from affected countries with no symptoms but have contact history with Ebola disease patient or person died due to Ebola disease,” it added.
Ebola Outbreak: India-Africa Forum Summit Postponed
The upcoming Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit, which was scheduled to take place in New Delhi next week, has been postponed in view of the Ebola outbreak.
The decision to postpone the summit was made after consultations were held between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission regarding the holding of the Summit and associated activities.
As per a statement of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Government of India and the African Union exchanged views on the evolving health situation in parts of Africa and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening public health preparedness and response capacities across the continent, including through support to Africa CDC and relevant national institutions.
India has reaffirmed its solidarity with the people and Governments of Africa and expressed its readiness to contribute to Africa CDC-led efforts aimed at addressing the evolving health situation, in line with the shared commitment to an Africa-led response.
