The Andhra Pradesh government has ramped up health surveillance after reports that Ebola virus cases are increasing in parts of some African countries. As a precaution, officials have tightened screening at Vijayawada International Airport, just to be safe and for less uncertainty. The decision came after instructions from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve monitoring at airports that deal with international travelers.
Health authorities are pushing early identification so the virus does not slip into the state via cross border travel routes, even though the likelihood may be low.
Airport officials said that a dedicated Ebola screening center is now functional at Vijayawada International Airport. Medical teams are checking passengers arriving from overseas locations as part of these new safety measures, and they’re doing it in a steady way.
On Tuesday morning, health personnel carried out checks for travelers landing from Singapore. The screening included basic health evaluations and watching for signs that could be connected to Ebola infection, nothing dramatic just careful observation.
Officials also said the process could keep running for passengers coming from other international places if needed, depending on updates.
Authorities said that passengers who show symptoms linked to the Ebola virus will be separated for extra medical review. They may be kept under quarantine so transmission does not happen, and so health officials can conduct more testing.
Symptoms that are often related to Ebola include:
Medical teams at the airport were told to act quickly if a suspected case is identified, and to report it without delays.
The airport administration is working closely, with state health officials, to try and keep the screening process running smoothly. Medical staff together with airport security personnel and immigration authorities are coordinating to watch international arrivals in a practical way.
Officials said the precautionary measures are part of standard public health preparedness , and they do not, in any way, suggest a confirmed Ebola case at the airport.
The government has stressed that these current measures are preventive in nature. Authorities are asking travelers to cooperate with the health checks, and also to follow the official instructions during the screening process.
Health experts add that early identification and isolation of suspected cases plays an important role in limiting the spread of infectious diseases. The screening center at Vijayawada Airport is meant to boost readiness and make passenger safety more solid during overseas travel.
