Danger of Ebola increases in Africa.
The Indian government has increased vigilance after increasing cases of Ebola virus in some countries of Africa. The Health Ministry has made it clear that at present in India Ebola No cases have been reported and the risk in the country is very low, but surveillance and preparations have been intensified as a precaution.
In fact, in view of the cases of Ebola virus in Congo and Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a public health emergency. After this, the Health Ministry, NCDC, ICMR and other agencies reviewed the situation.
The government has given instructions to increase surveillance, strengthen screening and quarantine systems at airports and ports. Pune’s NIV lab has been kept ready for testing and other labs will also be added if needed.
Health system fully alert and prepared
The Health Ministry has appealed to the people not to panic and avoid spreading any kind of rumor or misinformation. The government says that the country’s health system is completely alert and prepared.
Sources said the ministry was closely monitoring the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain in parts of Congo and Uganda, after the World Health Organization declared it an international public health emergency.
Senior officials of the Health Ministry, including scientists from the National Center for Disease Control, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Indian Council of Medical Research and other divisions, reviewed the changing situation and initiated precautionary public health measures. WHO on Sunday declared an international public health emergency over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has spread to Uganda.
More than 100 people have died
According to reports from Congo, a few hundred people are suspected to have died from this outbreak, and eight cases have been confirmed through lab testing. Sources said key preparedness measures include reviewing SOPs for screening, surveillance, quarantine and case management and identifying isolation and quarantine facilities at major airports and ports.
ICMR’s National Institute of Virology, Pune has been made the nodal lab for testing and more labs are being included gradually. International travel from the affected areas is also being monitored.
The Ebola outbreak comes ahead of the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, scheduled to take place in Delhi between May 28-31, followed by the International Big Cat Alliance Summit on June 1. Many African countries including Congo and Uganda are expected to participate in both these summits.
Also read- What is the difference between Ebola and Hantavirus? Know the symptoms of both viruses and ways of prevention
