AP On Alert Over Ebola Threat; Screening At International Airports Intensified
24 May 2026 5:16 PM IST24 May 2026 5:16 PM IST
The minister noted that Ebola cases and deaths are being reported in the countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan and said that Andhra Pradesh is acting in line with advisories, guidelines and recommendations issued by the Centre and international health agencies
Yadav said discussions have also been held with Visakhapatnam Port authorities, and district administrations have been instructed to undertake preventive measures. — File Photo
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up surveillance as well as precautionary measures following the spread of Ebola virus in several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Medical and Health minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the government has initiated preventive measures in line with advisories issued by the World Health Organisation and Government of India.
The minister expressed concern over the increasing number of Ebola infections and deaths in parts of Africa. He said the state health department is fully prepared to tackle any possible threat of the virus entering Andhra Pradesh.
Health officials point out that symptoms of Ebola may not appear for several weeks after infection, increasing the risk of transmission. Symptoms of the disease include sudden fever, severe headache, weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, red eyes, and loss of appetite.
Vigil has been heightened at the international airports in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Vijayawada, apart from the Visakhapatnam port. Authorities have been instructed to screen passengers and tourists arriving from Ebola-affected countries and based on their travel history.
Satya Kumar said airport and district medical and health officials are coordinating closely to identify suspected cases. Persons showing symptoms of the virus would be immediately quarantined, while those who come in contact with them would also undergo medical examination.
Referring to lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister said state government is preparing a comprehensive action plan to handle any emergency arising from Ebola infections. ANMs, ASHA workers and healthcare personnel across the state are being sensitised through virtual review meetings.
Satya Kumar said isolation wards with 15 beds each are being readied in teaching hospitals located in cities with international airports. He said there are sufficient stocks of PPE and virus testing kits to meet immediate requirements.
Quoting centre’s advisory, the minister appealed to people to avoid travelling to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, unless absolutely necessary. He advised those who have returned from Ebola-affected countries within the past three weeks feeling ill to immediately contact the district health authorities for timely intervention.
The minister expressed concern over the increasing number of Ebola infections and deaths in parts of Africa. He said the state health department is fully prepared to tackle any possible threat of the virus entering Andhra Pradesh.
Health officials point out that symptoms of Ebola may not appear for several weeks after infection, increasing the risk of transmission. Symptoms of the disease include sudden fever, severe headache, weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, red eyes, and loss of appetite.
Vigil has been heightened at the international airports in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Vijayawada, apart from the Visakhapatnam port. Authorities have been instructed to screen passengers and tourists arriving from Ebola-affected countries and based on their travel history.
Satya Kumar said airport and district medical and health officials are coordinating closely to identify suspected cases. Persons showing symptoms of the virus would be immediately quarantined, while those who come in contact with them would also undergo medical examination.
Referring to lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister said state government is preparing a comprehensive action plan to handle any emergency arising from Ebola infections. ANMs, ASHA workers and healthcare personnel across the state are being sensitised through virtual review meetings.
Satya Kumar said isolation wards with 15 beds each are being readied in teaching hospitals located in cities with international airports. He said there are sufficient stocks of PPE and virus testing kits to meet immediate requirements.
Quoting centre’s advisory, the minister appealed to people to avoid travelling to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, unless absolutely necessary. He advised those who have returned from Ebola-affected countries within the past three weeks feeling ill to immediately contact the district health authorities for timely intervention.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story