Ebola Virus Alert: The central government is on high alert regarding Ebola. Screening has been increased at airports, ports, and border crossings, and the ICMR and NCDC have been instructed to monitor the situation.

The central government has increased nationwide vigilance regarding the Ebola virus. The government has directed the strengthening of screening systems at all entry points, including airports, seaports, and ground border posts. The government has directed the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure all tracking, testing, and surveillance systems are in place at all times.

According to officials, no cases of Ebola have been reported in India at this time. However, as a precaution, health systems are being strengthened to address any potential threat in a timely manner. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international importance. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared it a continental health emergency.

The new order states that airlines bringing passengers from Congo and Uganda to India, either directly or via connecting flights, will now require each passenger to complete a Self-Declaration Form. This form must be submitted before disembarking.

What will happen during the flight?

According to the DGCA order, all airlines must advise passengers during flights to immediately inform the crew if they experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or bleeding. Such passengers will be referred to the airport medical unit.

If a passenger is found with suspicious symptoms on a flight, airline crews will follow established protocols. Such a passenger will be relocated to the rear of the aircraft, with three rows around them remaining vacant. A separate restroom will be reserved for them. They will be provided with a mask and PPE kit. Passengers seated nearby will be provided with triple-layer masks.

What will happen on landing?

Upon landing, the aircraft will be parked in a separate bay in coordination with ATC and the airport operator. The remaining passengers will disembark first, and the suspected patient will be handed over to the health team last. The Airport Health Organization (APHO) team will conduct thermal screening and collect SD Forms. The aircraft will be thoroughly disinfected immediately.

Which airlines will be affected by this order?

The order covers Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, as well as several foreign airlines. Airlines carrying passengers from Congo include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Air Tanzania, Egypt Air, and Uganda Airlines. Airlines carrying passengers from Uganda also include Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, KLM, Salaam Air, Druk Air, and Flynas.

What will airlines have to be prepared for?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed all airlines to train their crews. It will also be mandatory to maintain adequate stocks of triple-layer masks, disposable gloves, PPE kits, hand sanitizer, and bio-hazard disposal bags on aircraft. The WHO has declared the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

It also stated that countries bordering the DRC and Uganda, especially South Sudan, are currently at higher risk. Following this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the SOP, and the DGCA issued this order to airlines.

The DGCA has clearly stated that compliance with this order is mandatory for all airlines. Airline operators must immediately communicate this order to their flight operations, cabin safety, and ground handling departments.

Ebola is a serious viral disease

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Symptoms can include high fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, internal or external bleeding. The government has urged people to avoid rumors and rely only on information from official health agencies.

Symptoms of the Ebola virus

Ebola is a highly dangerous and deadly viral disease, also known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). This disease can spread to humans and some animals and causes severe infection. The Ebola virus spreads through contact with an infected person's or animal's blood, body fluids, vomit, sweats, saliva, and contaminated objects. It doesn't spread through the air like the common flu, but can spread rapidly through direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms include high fever, weakness, headache, and sore throat.