Ebola virus: surveillance, screening stepped up at Kochi airport

Health surveillance and precautionary protocols to prevent the spread of Ebola virus have been intensified at the Cochin International Airport.

The decision to step up preventive measures was taken at an emergency preparedness meeting convened jointly by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and the Airport Health Organisation (APHO) in view of the global alert over Ebola outbreaks. The meeting decided to strengthen passenger monitoring systems for the early detection of symptoms and reinforce coordinated public health response measures at the airport, according to an official release issued on Friday (May 22).

As part of the enhanced surveillance protocol, a 24x7 monitoring system will be activated at the airport. Thermal screening and 21-day travel history verification have been introduced for international passengers. Passengers arriving from countries including Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan will be placed under special health surveillance, the release said.

Officials pointed out that among the five reported species of the Ebola virus, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus (BDBV) variant. They also noted that the disease could spread from animals to humans and through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons.

The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Fever, sore throat, headache, and other flu-like symptoms are among the early clinical signs of infection. The mortality rate ranges between 30 and 50%.

Isolation wards have been set up at the Ernakulam General Hospital, Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, and District Hospital, Aluva. The meeting also stressed strict adherence to infection prevention measures, including the use of three-layer masks, and proper handwashing with soap.

The meeting was attended by CIAL airport director Manu G., airport health officer Dr. Raphael Teddy, senior medical officer Dr. Aysha Manika K.A., and representatives of the Central Industrial Security Force, Immigration, Airlines, Airport Authority, and CIAL. APHO public health specialist Dr. Anna presented the preparedness and response plan related to Ebola prevention, case identification, and infection control measures.