Andhra Pradesh on High Alert Over Ebola Threat
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav says state fully prepared with screening and quarantine systems
- Andhra Pradesh activates Ebola precautionary protocols
- Screening intensified at Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Vijayawada airports
- Isolation wards and testing kits kept ready across districts
- Public advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected African nations
GG News Bureau
Amravati, 24th May: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Sunday said the state government is on high alert following the spread of the Ebola virus and rising fatalities reported in parts of Africa, adding that the Health Department has activated screening, quarantine and emergency preparedness systems to tackle any possible outbreak.
The Health Minister said precautionary measures including airport screening, quarantine readiness and emergency surveillance systems have already been put in place across the state.
“The government is on high alert, necessary precautionary measures have been initiated, and the medical and health department is fully prepared to tackle any possible Ebola situation,” Yadav said in an official statement.
According to the minister, Ebola cases and deaths have been reported from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
He said the state government is acting in accordance with advisories and guidelines issued by the Central government and international health agencies.
Coordinated screening operations have been launched with airport authorities and district health officials at international airports in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Vijayawada.
Passengers and tourists arriving from affected countries are being monitored based on travel history.
The minister said individuals showing symptoms would be immediately quarantined, while close contacts of suspected patients would also undergo medical screening.
Discussions have additionally been held with Visakhapatnam Port authorities, and district administrations have been directed to implement preventive measures.
Yadav said surveillance would also cover road entry routes into the state.
The minister stated that dedicated isolation wards with 15 beds each are being prepared at teaching hospitals located in cities with international airports.
He added that PPE kits and virus diagnostic testing kits are adequately available across the state.
Awareness and preparedness programmes are also being strengthened through virtual meetings involving Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) staff and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers.
Yadav urged people to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries and advised anyone returning from those regions within the last three weeks to immediately inform district authorities if symptoms develop.
Health officials warned that infected persons may remain asymptomatic for several weeks, increasing the risk of transmission.
Symptoms associated with Ebola include sudden high fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, red eyes and loss of appetite.
