Andhra Pradesh Initiates Airport Screening Amid High Alert Over Ebola Risk

The Andhra Pradesh government has placed the state on high alert and initiated precautionary screening measures at airports in response to the spread of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Sunday. The move comes amid rising concerns over reported infections and fatalities in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

In an official statement, the minister said the state health machinery has been instructed to remain fully prepared to respond to any possible case of infection. He added that precautionary measures include passenger screening at international airports and strengthening emergency response systems to ensure early detection and containment if required.

According to the health department, coordinated surveillance has been activated at airports in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati, where travellers arriving from affected regions are being monitored based on travel history and health symptoms. Authorities have stated that individuals showing signs of illness will be immediately isolated and tested, while those identified as close contacts of suspected cases will also undergo medical observation.

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Officials have also expanded preparedness measures beyond airports, with discussions held with port authorities and district administrations to ensure a broader surveillance network. The government has indicated that road entry points are also being considered as part of the wider monitoring strategy to prevent any potential spread of the virus within the state.

The state administration has emphasised that it is working in coordination with central health agencies, following national and international advisories. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have also been incorporated into the current preparedness plan, with dedicated isolation wards being set up in teaching hospitals and sufficient stocks of protective equipment and diagnostic kits being ensured.

Health officials have urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries and to immediately report any symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, or severe headache after returning from abroad. The government has reiterated that early reporting and strict adherence to health guidelines are crucial in preventing any possible outbreak within the state.

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