Kochi, 22 May (H.S.):

Kerala has stepped up preventive measures and issued a high alert following growing concerns over the spread of Ebola in several African countries. Acting on advisories issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union government, the state Health Department has decided to impose strict monitoring measures for individuals arriving from affected regions, including surveillance for up to 21 days after arrival.

As part of enhanced disease-prevention efforts, health surveillance and screening procedures have been strengthened at international airports and ports across Kerala. Authorities have clarified that no Ebola cases have been reported anywhere in India so far and stressed that there is no reason for public panic.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the State Rapid Response Team chaired by Health Minister K. Muraleedharan. The meeting reviewed preparedness measures and assessed the state’s readiness to respond to any potential emergency situation arising from the disease.

Officials stated that intensive care facilities with isolation arrangements have already been prepared as a precautionary measure. The Health Minister also directed authorities to ensure an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and provide specialized training to healthcare workers on infection prevention and control protocols.

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Health officials have specifically advised travelers arriving from Ebola-affected countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to follow special guidelines and cooperate with health authorities.

Passengers showing symptoms such as fever, severe fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding have been instructed to immediately report to health desks at airports. Authorities have also directed individuals who have had close contact with infected persons to disclose such details during health checks.

As part of strengthening precautionary measures, an emergency meeting was also held at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) under the leadership of airport authorities and the Airport Health Organization. Officials decided to establish round-the-clock surveillance systems at the airport.

Enhanced monitoring measures at airports will include thermal screening, visual inspections, and verification of passengers’ travel history over the previous 21 days. International travelers will also be required to submit self-declaration forms to immigration authorities.

Officials emphasized that the measures are purely precautionary and aimed at ensuring early detection and prevention of any possible transmission risk.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman