Preventing spread of Ebola virus to India

New Delhi, November 24, 2016: World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a cumulative total of 28,646 cases and 11,323 deaths of Ebola virus disease (for the period March, 2014 to March 2016) from 10 countries, severely affected being West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

On meeting the criteria for interruption of transmission of Ebola virus by these countries WHO has terminated the Public Health Emergency of International Concern regarding Ebola virus disease on 29th March, 2016, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).

Government has reviewed the preparedness and response measures with all concerned stakeholders. Inter-departmental meetings, video conference with the States and technical reviews in Directorate General of Health Services were held.

To detect travel related Ebola virus disease cases from the affected West African countries, screening of passengers at 18 International Airports and 9 major Ports were done. Passengers travelling to India from the affected countries were also re-routed to seven International Airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi). Thermal scanners were installed at these Airports. A Health screening card was provided to Ministry of Civil Aviation for distribution to passengers arriving from/ transiting through the affected countries. Immigration Officers were trained and crew members sensitized on standard operating procedures for passengers suspected suffering from Ebola virus disease.

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project tracked those passengers who arrived from affected countries with history of contact with a suspect or confirmed Ebola case. National Institute of Virology, Pune and National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi tested clinical samples of high risk passengers. 10 more laboratories with required bio safety level (BSL) standards were identified to collect, test and store samples. State Governments earmarked isolation facilities to manage cases of Ebola Virus Disease. Rapid Response Teams of all States and master trainers from 25 States were trained. Personal Protective Equipments were provided to all States/ UTs. A 24×7 helpline was made operational from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.