Deadly Ebola threat prompts statewide vigil across Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has stepped up precautionary measures against Ebola following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency over the spread of the deadly virus in parts of Africa. The state Health Department has decided to issue detailed preventive guidelines and strengthen surveillance systems to prevent any possible import of the disease.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Health Minister K Muraleedharan amid concerns over the outbreak in African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Authorities have ordered intensified monitoring of international travellers arriving from affected regions and directed individuals exhibiting symptoms to immediately report to health officials.

Special surveillance has been activated at airports, with Cochin International Airport introducing enhanced screening measures. Thermal scanning, visual inspection, and verification of passengers’ travel history for the previous 21 days will be carried out. International travellers will also be required to submit self-declaration forms to immigration authorities. Round-the-clock surveillance systems and isolation facilities have been established at airport premises as part of the preparedness plan.

The Health Department has designated isolation wards at Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, Ernakulam General Hospital and the District Hospital in Aluva to handle any suspected cases. An emergency coordination meeting involving airport authorities, health officials, immigration personnel, CISF representatives, and airline operators reviewed preparedness measures and strengthened protocols for early detection of infections.

Officials noted that the currently reported Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has no proven vaccine or specific treatment. The disease can spread from animals to humans and subsequently between people through contact with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms initially resemble influenza, including fever, headache, and sore throat, before progressing to severe illness. With an incubation period ranging from 2 to 21 days and a mortality rate estimated at 30-50 percent, health authorities have urged strict adherence to personal safety measures, including regular handwashing and the use of protective masks.