Health surveillance and precautionary measures against the Ebola virus have been intensified at Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) following an emergency preparedness meeting jointly conducted by airport authorities and the Airport Health Organisation (APHO).
The meeting decided to strengthen passenger monitoring systems and enhance coordinated public health response measures to ensure early detection of possible Ebola symptoms among international travellers.
As part of the tightened protocol, a 24×7 surveillance system has now been activated at Kochi airport. International passengers will undergo thermal screening, 21-day travel history verification and submission of self-declaration forms.
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The preparedness meeting was attended by Airport Director Manu G, Airport Health Officer Dr Raphael Teddy, Senior Medical Officer Dr Aysha Manika K.A., along with representatives from CISF, Immigration, airlines, the Airport Authority and CIAL.
During the meeting, APHO Public Health Specialist Dr Anna presented the Ebola preparedness and response plan, including infection control measures, case identification procedures and emergency response coordination.
Officials noted that among the five known Ebola virus species, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus (BDBV) variant. They also warned that the virus can spread from animals to humans and through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The incubation period for Ebola ranges from two to 21 days. Early symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache and flu-like illness. Officials further highlighted that the disease carries a mortality rate of nearly 30 to 50 per cent.
In view of global Ebola alerts, passengers arriving from countries including Congo, Uganda and South Sudan will be placed under special health surveillance at the airport.
Isolation facilities have already been arranged at Ernakulam General Hospital, Government Hospital Kalamassery and District Hospital Aluva as part of Kerala’s emergency preparedness measures.
Authorities also stressed strict infection prevention practices, including proper handwashing and the use of three-layer masks where necessary.
Earlier, Kerala’s State Rapid Response Team had announced mandatory 21-day health surveillance for individuals arriving from Ebola-affected countries. The team held discussions with Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan regarding the precautionary measures.
Officials clarified that no Ebola cases have been reported in India so far and that the steps are being implemented purely as preventive measures following alerts issued by the World Health Organization regarding Ebola outbreaks in Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Delhi airport had also issued a similar Ebola advisory for passengers earlier on Thursday
