The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday issued an alert following the spread of the Ebola virus in several African countries.
State health authorities have begun taking preventive measures, including screening passengers arriving from Ebola-affected nations.
State Minister for Medical and Health Satyakumar Yadav said that the government has implemented necessary precautionary measures in view of the increasing spread, rising number of cases, and growing death toll linked to the Ebola virus in several African countries.
He expressed serious concern over the rapid transmission of the virus in countries such as Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Following alerts issued by the World Health Organization and guidelines received from the Central Government, the minister stated that the Medical and Health Department is fully prepared to tackle any possible spread of the virus in the state.
He noted that the Ebola situation in Congo and Uganda is worsening day by day. In response, the government is ensuring close coordination between airport authorities and district Medical and Health Department officials.
The coordination is aimed at carrying out screening and diagnostic testing for travellers arriving from Congo, Uganda, and Sudan through international airports in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Vijayawada.
The minister said that anyone showing symptoms of the virus would be immediately quarantined, while people who came in close contact with infected individuals would undergo medical examinations.
He added that discussions have also been held with officials at the Visakhapatnam Port, and district administrations have been directed to implement preventive measures. Necessary precautions are also being planned for people entering the state through road routes.
The minister stated that the Central Government is closely monitoring travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries and sharing the information with respective states.
Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, he said an action plan is being prepared to outline safety measures and emergency response protocols for any Ebola-related situation.
He further said that healthcare staff, including ANMs and ASHA workers, are being alerted through virtual meetings across all levels of the Medical and Health Department.
Dedicated isolation wards with 15 beds each are also being set up in teaching hospitals located in cities with international airports.
The minister confirmed that sufficient stocks of PPE kits and virus testing kits are available to meet immediate needs.
In line with the Central Government advisory, Satyakumar Yadav urged people to avoid travelling to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan unless absolutely necessary.
He also advised people who arrived from Ebola-affected countries within the last three weeks to immediately report to district officials if they develop any symptoms, so that timely preventive and treatment measures can be taken.
With Inputs From IANS
