No Ebola case reported in India so far, says JP Nadda
No case of Ebola Virus has been reported in India so far, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday, directing officials to ensure all surveillance and testing arrangements remain in a state of readiness.
"India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease to date," Nadda said. According to an official statement, during a high-level meeting with senior officials of the Union Health Ministry, Nadda assessed the country’s readiness amid global concern over Ebola and directed that all preventive mechanisms remain fully alert and operational. Nadda said, "Enhanced screening and surveillance measures have been initiated at international airports and other points of entry, and advisories along with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on screening, quarantine, clinical management, laboratory testing and infection prevention practices have been shared with all States and Union Territories."
Meanwhile, aviation watchdog DGCA has asked airlines to implement various measures, including making in-flight announcements and mandatory filing of self-declaration forms from passengers originating or transiting through the affected countries. Meetings have also been held with States/Union Territories and stakeholders concerned to review preparedness and response measures.
On the minister’s directions, the Union Health Secretary chaired a joint review meeting with officials from various ministries and agencies concerned to strengthen coordination and preparedness measures, the statement said.
Nadda instructed authorities to keep Ebola screening arrangements at all points of entry across the country, including airports, seaports and land border crossings, fully vigilant and robust, it said. He also directed the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure that all necessary arrangements for tracking, testing and surveillance remain in a constant state of readiness.
The Centre has intensified precautionary measures after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also designated it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
Officials said surveillance at ports of entry and coordination among agencies are being closely monitored to ensure early detection and prompt response to any suspected case.
