Bhubaneswar: Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling convened a high-level review meeting on Saturday to assess the state's preparedness for a potential Ebola virus outbreak. As of now, no Ebola case has been detected in India, sources confirmed.
Review of Precautionary Measures
The meeting involved a detailed review of precautionary measures, the readiness of health infrastructure, and the availability of requisite medical facilities in Odisha. Mahaling directed officials to strengthen screening measures at all airports in the state. He emphasized the identification of suspected patients, the preparation of isolation wards, and the availability of medicines and protective equipment.
Public Awareness and Information Dissemination
The meeting also decided to disseminate accurate information to raise public awareness about the Ebola virus and to dispel fear and rumors. “The state government is fully prepared to face any potential health emergency and urged people to remain informed and not to panic unnecessarily,” said the health minister.
Health Secretary Aswathy S, NHM MD Brunda D, and other senior officers attended the meeting.
Screening at Biju Patnaik International Airport
Biju Patnaik International Airport has started screening passengers arriving from Bangkok for suspected Ebola virus after receiving guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Bangkok is currently the only international destination operating from Bhubaneswar. As per the guidelines, passengers on the Bangkok flight must file self-declarations regarding their itinerary over the past 21 days, specifying if they had any connection with African nationals or countries, BPIA authorities said.
National Surveillance and Global Context
Official sources confirmed that India has not reported any confirmed case of Ebola virus so far. However, in response to an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain in parts of Central and East Africa and the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency, authorities in India have stepped up surveillance and screening measures across the country to prevent any potential spread.
