Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Thursday issued an urgent travel advisory for passengers amid a worsening Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. With the death toll reaching 100 in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the airport has intensified health screening and public health measures.
DGHS issues Ebola health advisory for international travellers
The DGHS said and urged passengers and airport authorities to remain alert and closely monitor symptoms associated with Ebola infection, including:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Weakness or fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Unexplained bleeding
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
21-day monitoring window and reporting guidelines
The advisory further states that any traveller developing the above-mentioned symptoms within 21 days of arrival must immediately seek medical attention and inform healthcare authorities about their travel history.
Meanwhile, the DGHS urged passengers who had direct contact with blood or body fluids of a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient to immediately report to the airport health officer or health desk before immigration clearance.
Delhi Airport urges cooperation with health screening
Delhi Airport has also requested passengers to cooperate with health screening and follow public health measures in the interest of passenger safety and compliance with International Health Regulations (IHR).
WHO declares PHEIC amid escalating Ebola crisis
This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the escalating Ebola outbreak in parts of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Notably, Jordan announced on Wednesday that it is imposing a temporary ban on the entry of travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, citing concerns regarding Ebola in both countries.
India-Africa summit postponed amid health concerns
Meanwhile, the central government, citing the evolving health situation in Africa, has postponed the India-Africa summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi next week. In addition, India has stepped up efforts to provide material and strategic assistance to operations spearheaded by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
What is the Ebola virus?
The Ebola virus is a severe and often fatal illness caused by different strains of the virus, each varying in transmissibility and severity. These strains differ in lethality, speed of spread, and response to treatment.
The current outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain, a less common variant compared to the highly lethal Zaire strain, which was responsible for the major West African outbreak between 2014 and 2016.
