Andhra Pradesh increases airport surveillance due to Ebola concerns
Medical teams have been deputed at three airports and several ports to screen passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries.
The Andhra Pradesh Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare has increased surveillance at Bhogapuram, Vijayawada, and Tirupati airports as a precautionary measure. This follows concerns regarding the spread of Ebola to neighbouring countries, according to a report by The Hindu.
A.P. Health Secretary G. Veerapandian stated that medical teams have been deputed at the three airports to screen passengers arriving from affected countries for symptoms.
Similar arrangements are in place at the Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Nellore ports.
The state has readied isolation beds at five government hospitals, along with medical personnel and emergency equipment. Veerapandian said that 46 beds, 3,288 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, 104 sample collection kits, and five ambulances are ready.
During a video conference held on Thursday, November 5, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reviewed the implementation of Ebola guidelines with state governments. Central officials advised that passengers from affected areas be screened and those with direct contact with infected persons be placed under observation.
A mock drill is scheduled for November 12 to assess preparedness at the state and district levels. The department will alert concerned officials to ensure guidelines are followed.
As of October 31, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 10,467 cases and 5,103 deaths. Other reported cases include nine in Kenya, 20 in Uganda, and one case each in Nigeria and France.