Andhra Pradesh to take preventive steps to contain Ebola virus spread
The state government will screen air passengers and conduct medical tests at several ports to manage the virus, according to the Deccan Chronicle.
The Andhra Pradesh government will initiate preventive measures to contain the spread of the Ebola virus in the state, according to the Deccan Chronicle.
Health secretary G. Veerapandian informed officials during a video conference on Thursday that staff will screen air passengers suspected of having Ebola symptoms at Vijayawada, Bhogapuram, and Tirupati airports.
Medical tests will also be conducted on passengers at ports in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Nellore. Health secretary Veerapandian and health commissioner Chakradhar Babu said the state has arranged 46 beds, 3,288 PPE kits, 104 sample collection kits, and five ambulances.
During a meeting with National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) officials, it was suggested that passengers from Ebola-affected nations undergo health tests and a 21-day travel history check. Officials recommended that those without symptoms remain in home isolation, while those infected or in direct contact with infected persons stay under medical supervision for 21 days.
Suspected cases may be shifted to isolation wards in special ambulances. Samples can be tested at NIV Pune, Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences in Tirupati, and Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada.
Mock drills to check preparedness at state and district levels are scheduled to be conducted on November 12.