Chennai, May 24 (IANS). Following an advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry regarding the possibility of Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases being reported from some African countries, the Tamil Nadu government has intensified surveillance and precautionary measures at airports, ports and government health facilities.
Despite no Ebola case being reported in the state yet, the health department has strengthened preparations.
The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) of Tamil Nadu has instructed health officials of all the districts to remain on high alert. Special attention is being kept on passengers coming from Ebola affected countries. Screening and checking has been increased at airports, especially for passengers who have recently traveled to the affected countries. Additionally, additional preparations have also been started across the health department.
Isolation wards and rapid response teams have been kept ready in major government hospitals to deal with any suspected case.
Medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals and primary health centers have also been directed to sensitize healthcare workers about the disease, including its symptoms, mode of spread and infection-control procedures.
Training programs are being run for doctors, nurses and field staff to ensure that suspected infections are identified and reported promptly.
Health officials are also focusing on strengthening the response capacity of frontline medical staff, so that there is no delay in detecting the infection and stopping its spread. Travelers coming from affected countries have been advised to report immediately if they experience any symptoms of illness during travel or after arrival.
Symptoms associated with Ebola include fever, extreme weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, and in severe cases, bleeding inside or outside the body.
Officials advised that people who experience such symptoms within 30 days of arrival should immediately seek medical attention and notify health authorities.
Ebola is an extremely serious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated surfaces. Although no cases of Ebola have been reported in Tamil Nadu, officials say given the increased international movement, greater vigilance and preparedness is needed.
The state has also launched awareness campaigns emphasizing on hygiene practices, information about symptoms and travel precautions.
Additionally, surveillance officials have been instructed to keep an eye on unusual patterns of illness and clusters of fever cases. Additionally, coordination between airports, hospitals and laboratories has also been strengthened to ensure immediate action if any suspected case emerges.
–IANS
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