Chennai: Following an advisory from the Union health ministry warning of potential Ebola virus disease cases from certain African nations, the directorate of public health and preventive medicine (DPH) has enhanced surveillance and precautionary measures across airports, ports, and government hospitals in Tamil Nadu.
Heightened Alert and Screening
Dr. A Somasundaram, director of public health, stated, “All district health authorities have been instructed to remain on alert and closely monitor travelers arriving from countries where Ebola infections have been reported. Screening and surveillance measures have been intensified at airports, especially for passengers with recent travel history to affected regions, while isolation facilities and rapid response teams have been kept ready in major government hospitals.”
Healthcare Worker Training
The state has directed medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and primary health centers to sensitize healthcare workers on Ebola symptoms, transmission, and infection-control protocols. Training sessions are being conducted for doctors, nurses, and field staff to ensure early detection and immediate reporting of suspected cases.
Health officials have advised travelers from affected countries to immediately inform airline crew or report to airport medical and immigration units if they experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or bleeding. “Early reporting is crucial for immediate treatment and to prevent further spread of the infection. Travelers have been asked to seek medical care at designated hospitals and inform airport health officers if any symptoms develop within 30 days of arrival in the country,” said DPH.
Ebola Virus Disease Overview
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. Although no cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu, officials emphasized that preparedness is vital due to increasing international travel and global movement.
Public Awareness and Surveillance
The DPH has launched awareness measures to educate the public on precautionary practices, including maintaining hygiene, avoiding unnecessary travel to outbreak-hit regions, and reporting symptoms promptly after international travel. Information materials are being circulated to hospitals and public health centers, while surveillance officers have been asked to monitor fever clusters and unusual illness patterns.
“The state’s disease surveillance network has been strengthened to ensure immediate coordination between airports, hospitals, and laboratories in the event of any suspected case. The state has also advised private hospitals to notify authorities without delay if any patient with relevant travel history develops symptoms associated with Ebola,” added Dr. Somasundaram.
