Amid rising global concern over the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), authorities at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday issued a health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. The move comes as part of heightened precautionary measures to prevent any potential spread of the deadly virus in India.
The advisory, issued under the guidance of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, urged travellers to remain alert and strictly follow all health and safety protocols while travelling through the airport.
According to airport authorities, passengers arriving from countries that have recently reported Ebola cases — including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan — are being closely monitored and advised to remain vigilant for symptoms associated with the disease.
The airport advisory highlighted several symptoms that may indicate possible Ebola infection. Travellers have been instructed to immediately report to the airport health officer or contact the designated health desk before immigration clearance if they experience:
Authorities stressed that early reporting and medical intervention are critical in preventing the spread of the virus.
The advisory further directed passengers who may have come into direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient to undergo immediate health screening.
Officials also warned that Ebola symptoms may appear several days after exposure. “Any traveller developing the above symptoms within 21 days of arrival should immediately seek medical care and inform healthcare authorities about their travel history,” the advisory stated.
The Airport Health Organization (APHO) appealed to all international passengers to cooperate fully with ongoing screening procedures and public health measures being implemented at the airport.
“Please cooperate with health screening and public health measures in the interest of passenger safety and International Health Regulations (IHR),” the advisory added.
The heightened alert at India’s busiest airport reflects growing international concern over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while emphasizing vigilance, timely reporting, and adherence to public health protocols to safeguard passengers and prevent any possible outbreak in the country.
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