Kochi Airport Activates Ebola Protocols 24/7 Health Surveillance Put in Place
The airport authorities have started thermal screening, verifying 21-day travel histories, and collecting self-declaration forms from international passengers.
Thiruvananthapuram: Precautionary protocols have been implemented against the Ebola virus at Kochi Airport. The health surveillance system was activated following an emergency preparedness meeting jointly organized by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and the Airport Health Organisation (APHO).
The meeting decided to strengthen passenger monitoring to enable early detection of symptoms and ensure coordinated public health response measures. A 24/7 monitoring system is now in place as part of the enhanced surveillance protocol.
The airport authorities have started thermal screening, verifying 21-day travel histories, and collecting self-declaration forms from international passengers. Attendees at the meeting included CIAL Airport Director Manu G, Airport Health Officer Dr. Ralhael Teddy, Senior Medical Officer Dr. Aysha Manika K.L.A., along with officials from the CISF, Immigration, Airlines, Airport Authority, and CIAL.
APHO Public Health expert Dr. Anna presented the preparedness and response plan for Ebola prevention, case identification, and infection control measures.
The health department authorities are working closely with the airport authority to ensure strict adherence to infection prevention measures, safety protocols, and the use of three-layer masks, along with proper handwashing using soap. The Kerala State Rapid Response Team has already stated that individuals arriving in Kerala from Ebola-affected nations like Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda will be placed under mandatory health surveillance for 21 days after their arrival. The Rapid Response Team met Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Thursday to discuss the steps taken by the authorities.
Ebola surveillance mechanism
Passengers arriving from countries like Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan will be placed under special health surveillance in view of the global alert over Ebola outbreaks. Isolation wards have been arranged at Ernakulam General Hospital, Government Hospital Aluva, and District Hospital Aluva.
Ebola: Symptoms
The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. The major symptoms are fever, sore throat, headache, and other influenza or flu-like symptoms. Infected persons may present with these early clinical signs of infection. Experts say the mortality rate in Ebola ranges between 30 to 50 percent.
