Chennai: In a bid to monitor and check if any infected passenger is arriving at the international terminus of the city airport and eliminate any chances of a bite from the dreaded Aedes mosquito (carrier of the zika virus), a number of measures are being taken at the Chennai airport.
Vector surveillances are one of the main measures being taken around the airport. “Vector surveillance has been conducted to eliminate the breeding grounds of these mosquitoes,” the airport health officer (ATHO) said. The surveillance is being conducted in coordination with the state government within the area of 400 meters around the city airport. Different stakeholders including immigration officials have been sensitized.
“Also, signages have been put in arrival and departure areas to inform passengers,” he said. An in-flight spraying operation inside flights is also being conducted, with immigration officials are also being asked to check on anyone having any symptoms,” he added.
“We have already put up banners, and have been sensitizing airlines. All the advisories are being followed. Regular checks are being done and a list of dos and don’ts has been given to airlines,” said Deepak Shastri, airport director.
Air India is using disinfectants after taking off and before landing and also spraying inside flights to keep off any chances of the virus, an official said.
“There are no direct flights coming in from affected countries to Chennai.
However, passengers could be coming from transit points. Advisory pamphlets will be be given to passengers for personal protection,” the health officer said.
