Ebola alert! Ministry of Health directs states, UTs to increase surveillance; requires isolation equipment, trained personnel | Today’s news
The Union Health Ministry has directed all states and Union Territories to strengthen surveillance, improve hospital preparedness and intensify screening of international travelers after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
In a letter dated May 21 to UT chief secretaries and administrators, Union Health Minister Punya Salila Srivastava said countries bordering the DRC and Uganda, including South Sudan, have been identified as high-risk countries for the spread of the disease.
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“While the current assessment shows that the risk to countries outside the affected African region remains low, the significant amount of international trade and travel underscores the importance of maintaining adequate preparedness and response capacities at all levels of the health system,” the letter said.
The department has directed states to step up surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) for unusual clusters of cases showing symptoms suggestive of Ebola, particularly in people with a recent history of travel to affected areas.
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Symptoms listed in the advisory include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash and red eyes.
States were also asked to designate designated isolation facilities and specialized ambulances, ensure the availability of trained medical personnel, personal protective equipment (PPE), logistics, laboratory support and critical care capacity.
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The ministry said ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune is fully equipped to test samples from suspected Ebola cases detected either at entry points or in the community, and other laboratories of the ICMR network will be strengthened depending on the evolving situation.
The recommendation emphasized coordination among airport and port health authorities, state and county surveillance units, and other agencies to quickly share information and track travelers requiring public health monitoring.
Passengers arriving from affected countries undergo heat screening
According to the attached standard operating procedure (SOP), passengers arriving from affected countries will undergo thermal screening and health monitoring, and those with Ebola-like symptoms will be moved to designated isolation facilities for testing and treatment.
The SOP also provides for 21-day monitoring of travelers from affected areas and sets out detailed protocols for quarantine, infection prevention, laboratory testing, contact tracing and clinical management.
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The current assessment shows that the risk to countries outside the affected African region remains low.
States and UTs are requested to conduct an immediate review of existing preparedness plans.
“States and UTs are requested to undertake an immediate review of existing preparedness plans and ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place for early detection and response to any potential public health event of concern,” the secretary said in the letter.
Following the letter from the Secretary of the Department of Health and Welfare to all Chief Secretaries regarding Preparedness for the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), DIAL has taken several actions:
- A meeting of all stakeholders including CISF, Immigration, Customs, airlines and ground handling agencies was chaired by the Airport Health Officer (APHO) to apprise them of the ministry’s directives.
- Tensa barriers have been deployed to streamline all international arriving passengers through heat shield points.
- For passengers classified as CAT-3, routes have been determined in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.
- A public notice was issued through social media platforms.
- DGCA guidelines have been shared with airlines to ensure compliance.
Key things
- The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of surveillance and preparedness for Ebola.
- Training of medical staff and availability of isolation facilities are essential.
- Coordination between health authorities and effective surveillance of travelers can prevent potential outbreaks.
