With global concern mounting over the spread of the Ebola virus in three African countries, the Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday (May 24) announced a series of precautionary measures, including plans for disease surveillance at international airports in the State and arrangements for isolation wards in Government General Hospitals.

The announcement by Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav came hours after the Union government issued a travel advisory urging the public to “avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice.”

In a release issued on Sunday, Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav said that in view of the worsening situation in the African countries, where infections caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus are reportedly increasing, the State government was taking preventive measures in line with the guidelines of the Union government and the World Health Organisation. An action plan has also been prepared to tackle any emergency situation, if required.

As part of the preparedness measures, the department is planning to screen passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries at the international airports in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati. Those found exhibiting symptoms may be placed under quarantine, while co-passengers and close contacts may also be tested, officials said.

The Minister said the department was also planning similar surveillance measures for travellers arriving by road and sea routes. Discussions have already been held with officials at the Visakhapatnam seaport, and district authorities have been directed to remain alert and take necessary steps, he added.

He further said that arrangements were being made to set up 15-bed isolation wards in Government General Hospitals located in cities with international airports. ASHAs, ANMs and other frontline health workers have been sensitised through review meetings, while PPE kits have also been stocked for emergency use.

People with a recent travel history to the affected countries have been advised to monitor their health for 30 days and immediately report to district health authorities if they develop symptoms, the Minister said.

India has not reported any Ebola cases so far. According to the State Health Department, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola viruses. Though life-threatening, the disease can be effectively controlled through early detection, isolation and supportive treatment.

Symptoms generally appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat. In advanced stages, patients may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, skin rashes and unexplained bleeding. Severe infections can lead to shock and death.

The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated needles or medical equipment, infected animals such as fruit bats, monkeys and chimpanzees, semen of recovered patients, and dead bodies during burial rituals.