Ebola virus is a deadly, fast spreading disease which was originated from the African countries and is soon advancing towards India. An alert has been issued at India’s International airports to keep a check on Ebola virus’ entry through passengers coming from abroad.
After a large contingent of travelers from Ebola-affected Liberia landed in the Capital on Tuesday morning, 13 Indian nationals, suspected of carrying the Ebola virus, were quarantined and taken to hospital. However, they all were cleared after being screened at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and allowed to leave, said a statement by the Health Ministry. According to the statement, four of the 13 passengers who reached the Delhi airport belong to Delhi. “All were screened for Ebola and found healthy,” it said.
Elaborate precautionary arrangements have been put in place at Delhi airport to screen passengers who are expected to come by various flights from and around the Ebola-hit Liberia. According to sources at the Delhi airport, aircraft coming from these areas will be taken to a remote bay. Passengers will be asked to fill up a form mentioning whether they have shown any symptoms related to Ebola.
They would also be made to pass through a thermal scanner and anybody who has temperatures above the normal temperature — showing signs of fever — will be quarantined. A separate screening area has also been set up at the airport.
The Union Health Ministry has asked the State Governments to do rigorous tracking and monitoring of these passengers. The concerned States have been alerted for follow up of these passengers on daily basis. “No case of Ebola Virus Disease has been detected in India,” reiterated Health Ministry on Tuesday. A quarantine-cum-isolation health facility has been set up at Delhi Airport.