The advisory follows a high-level review meeting held by the Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Wednesday. Representational image: iStock
Centre issues Ebola advisory for travellers from high-risk African countries
The advisory was displayed at Delhi's IGI Airport for travellers from high-risk countries, urging symptom reporting and health screening cooperation
The Centre on Thursday (May 21) released an advisory concerning the Ebola virus disease, asking passengers arriving from or travelling through countries identified as high-risk to immediately inform airport health authorities if they are experiencing symptoms. The advisory has been displayed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).
Preparedness review triggers advisory
The advisory follows a high-level review meeting held by the Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Wednesday with states and Union Territories to examine preparedness measures and response plans related to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), it specifically mentions travellers coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, all of which have been categorised as "high-risk countries" by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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The advisory has been displayed at the Delhi airport by the Airport Health Organisation (APHO).
The airport authorities directed passengers arriving from or transiting through these nations to report any signs of illness without delay.
“ATTENTION: PASSENGERS ARRIVING FROM OR TRANSITING THROUGH AFFECTED COUNTRIES,” read the title of the advisory.
Passengers have been advised to remain alert for symptoms including fever, weakness or fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding and sore throat.
Guidance for at-risk travellers
The advisory also issued instructions for travellers who may have come into contact with suspected or confirmed Ebola patients. Individuals who had direct exposure to blood or body fluids of a person infected or suspected to be infected with the disease have been asked to immediately approach airport health officials or visit the designated health desk before completing immigration formalities.
Also Read: Uganda nurse dies from Ebola virus, first outbreak since 2022
The development comes amid concerns over Ebola cases reported in parts of Africa. According to available figures, 51 cases have so far been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the World Health Organisation has indicated that the outbreak may be more extensive than currently reflected in official figures.
“Any traveller developing the above symptoms within 21 DAYS of arrival should immediately seek medical care and inform healthcare authorities about their travel history,” the advisory stated.
Call for screening cooperation
The notice further appealed to passengers to follow health checks and cooperate with authorities.
“Please cooperate with health screening and public health measures in the interest of passenger safety and International Health Regulations (IHR),” it said.
Ebola virus disease is considered a severe illness with a high fatality risk and is endemic in the tropical forest regions of Congo. According to the Africa CDC, the virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects and the bodies of people who have died from the disease.
(With agency inputs)