Delhi's IGI Airport issues Ebola virus advisory for passengers arriving from high risk countries

India has issued a health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries and asked travellers with symptoms or exposure history to report to airport health authorities before immigration clearance.

The advisory, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), applies to passengers coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorised these countries as “high-risk countries”.

The Airport Health Organisation (APHO) has displayed the advisory at the Delhi airport. Travellers have been advised to monitor symptoms including fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat and unexplained bleeding.



The advisory also directs passengers who had direct contact with blood or body fluids of a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient to immediately report to the airport health officer or the health desk.

According to the APHO, travellers who develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival should seek immediate medical care and inform authorities about their travel history.

On Wednesday, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a high-level review meeting with health secretaries of all states and Union territories to review preparedness and response measures related to Ebola.

Officials from the Union health ministry said no Ebola case has been detected in India so far.

However, after the WHO declared Ebola a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the government strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures across the country as a precaution, official sources said.

During the meeting, states and Union territories were advised to maintain readiness at all levels. Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pre-arrival and post-arrival screening, quarantine protocols, case management, referral systems and laboratory testing have already been shared with all states and Union territories.

Official sources also said concerned ministries and departments have been sensitised and are carrying out preventive and surveillance measures in coordination with the health ministry.

Symptoms to watch for

Passengers have been advised to watch for symptoms such as

• Fever
• Weakness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Unexplained bleeding
• Travellers developing these symptoms within 21 days of arrival have been advised to seek immediate medical care and inform authorities about their travel history.