Government of Andhra Pradesh. increases Ebola preparedness, plans passenger screenings at airports

As part of the preparedness measures, the ministry plans to screen travelers arriving from Ebola-affected countries at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati international airports. | Photo credit: Representative image

With growing global concern over the spread of the Ebola virus in three African countries, the Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday (May 24) announced a series of precautionary measures, including plans to monitor the disease at international airports in the state and arrangements for isolation wards at government general hospitals.

The announcement by Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav came hours after the Union government issued a travel advisory asking the public to “avoid essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice”.

In a report on Sunday, Satya Kumar Yadav said that in view of the deteriorating situation in African countries where the number of infections caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus is reportedly on the rise, the state government has taken precautionary measures in accordance with the guidelines of the Union government and the World Health Organization. If necessary, an action plan was also prepared to deal with any emergency situation.

The minister said the ministry is also planning similar measures to monitor passengers arriving by road and sea. Discussions have already taken place with officials at the Visakhapatnam seaport and the district authorities have been directed to remain alert and take necessary action, he added.

He further said that arrangements are being made to set up 15-bed isolation wards in government general hospitals in cities with international airports. ASHAs, ANMs and other frontline health workers were sensitized through assessment meetings while PPE kits were also stocked for emergency use.

People who have recently traveled to affected countries have been advised to monitor their health for 30 days and report immediately to district health authorities if they develop symptoms, the minister said.

India has not yet reported any cases of Ebola. According to the Department of Health, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola viruses. Although the disease is life-threatening, it can be effectively controlled by early detection, isolation and supportive treatment.

Symptoms usually appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat. In advanced stages, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and unexplained bleeding. Severe infections can lead to shock and death.

The virus is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected persons, contaminated needles or medical equipment, infected animals such as bats, monkeys and chimpanzees, semen of recovered patients, and dead bodies during funeral rituals.

Published – 24 May 2026 19:00 IST