

India takes precautionary measures as WHO declares Ebola an emergency
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.The Union health ministry has initiated strict precautionary public health measures amid the spreading Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, according to two officials familiar with the matter.The outbreak, driven by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has rapidly intensified across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.The move follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.The epidemic, according to the latest WHO situation reports, has already resulted in at least 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province alone. Cross-border transmission has also been confirmed, with imported cases reported in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, signalling a high risk of regional spread due to intense population mobility and trade links.Key components of India’s preparedness strategy include a comprehensive review of standard operating procedures governing passenger screening, surveillance, quarantine measures and clinical case management.
The government has also mandated enhanced coordination among relevant ministries and external agencies to closely monitor international travel from the affected regions in Central Africa.Isolation and quarantine facilities are being identified and readied at major airports and seaports across the country. To meet diagnostic requirements, India is strengthening laboratory preparedness, with the National Institute of Virology in Pune designated as the primary testing hub, while additional laboratories are expected to be onboarded in phases."India’s public health system remains vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any emerging
. Read on livemint.com