Ebola: Kerala sets up airport checks, health surveillance; CIAL holds emergency meeting

Health surveillance and precautionary protocols against the Ebola virus have been intensified at the Kochi airport following an emergency preparedness meeting convened jointly by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and the Airport Health Organisation (APHO).

The meeting decided to strengthen passenger monitoring systems for the early detection of symptoms and reinforce coordinated public health response measures at the airport. As part of the enhanced surveillance protocol, a 24x7 monitoring system has been activated at the airport. Thermal screening, 21 Days travel history verification and submission of self-declaration forms have been introduced for international passengers.

The meeting was attended by CIAL Airport Director Manu G, Airport Health Officer Dr Raphael Teddy, Senior Medical Officer Dr Aysha Manika K.A., and representatives from CISF, Immigration, Airlines, Airport Authority and CIAL. APHO Public Health Specialist Dr. Anna presented the preparedness and response plan related to Ebola prevention, case identification and infection control measures.

No vaccine for latest variant

Officials pointed out that among the five reported species of the Ebola virus, there was currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus (BDBV) variant. They also noted that the disease can spread from animals to humans and through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons.

Ebola: Symptoms, mortality rate

The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Fever, sore throat, headache and other flu-like symptoms are among the early clinical signs of infection. Officials further noted that the mortality rate ranges between 30 and 50 per cent.

Ebola surveillance facilities

In view of the global alert over Ebola outbreaks, passengers arriving from countries including Congo, Uganda and South Sudan will be placed under special health surveillance. Isolation wards are currently available at Ernakulam General Hospital, Government Hospital Kalamassery and District Hospital Aluva. The meeting also stressed strict adherence to infection prevention measures, including the use of three-layer masks and proper handwashing with soap.

Earlier, the Kerala State Rapid Response Team said it was all set to place individuals arriving in Kerala from Ebola-affected nations on a mandatory health surveillance. The surveillance will be for 21 days after they reach Kerala. The team met Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Thursday. The measures are being adopted as an extra precaution, and no Ebola cases have been reported in India so far, they said, adding that the World Health Organisation had flagged Congo, South Sudan and Uganda as Ebola-affected nations.

On Thursday, the Delhi airport had also issued an advisory on Ebola for passengers.