New Delhi: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday reviewed India’s preparedness and surveillance measures in view of the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Africa.
Stating that India has not reported any case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola so far, Nadda said the Centre was closely monitoring the evolving situation after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The minister said the Union health ministry, in coordination with the Indian Council of Medical Research, National Centre for Disease Control, DGHS, Civil Aviation authorities and immigration officials, had intensified surveillance and preparedness measures across the country.
Enhanced screening and surveillance have been initiated at international airports and other entry points, while advisories and standard operating procedures on screening, quarantine, laboratory testing, infection control and clinical management have been shared with all states and Union Territories.
Nadda directed health authorities to keep all arrangements for tracking, testing and surveillance in a constant state of readiness.
The Centre had earlier issued a travel advisory asking Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Officials said airport health organisations and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme units have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance for unexplained fever cases among international travellers and ensure immediate reporting of suspected infections.
