New Delhi, May 25 (IANS). Amid the Ebola outbreak, the Health Ministry has strengthened surveillance and public health preparedness across the country in collaboration with the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), DGHS, ICMR, Civil Aviation, Immigration authorities and other concerned ministries and departments. Health Minister JP Nadda gave this information on Monday.
Nadda reviewed the preparedness and surveillance measures in view of the recent Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. He said that no case of Ebola has been reported in India yet.
He said that, however, following the declaration of Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Concern (PHECS) by the Africa CDC, governments are closely monitoring the Ebola situation in Africa and have actively stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures across the country as a precaution to protect public health.
He said intensive testing and surveillance measures have been initiated at international airports and other entry points, and advisories along with standard operating procedures (SOPs) on testing, quarantine, clinical management, laboratory testing and infection prevention practices have been shared with all states and union territories.
Meetings have also been held with States/UTs and relevant stakeholders to review preparedness and response measures.
The Union Minister directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Director of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to keep all necessary arrangements in place for tracking, testing and surveillance.
Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) units and airport health organizations have been instructed to keep a close watch on cases of unexplained fever in international passengers and ensure prompt reporting and management of any suspected case.
Ebola is a serious viral hemorrhagic fever, with a high mortality rate. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Ebola disease caused by the Bandibugyo virus strain.
–IANS
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