Chennai, May 24 — Tamil Nadu has stepped up surveillance and precautionary measures at airports, seaports and government health facilities after an advisory from the Union Health Ministry warned of the possibility of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases being reported from some African countries. The move comes as a preventive response; no Ebola cases have been detected in the state so far.
The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has directed district health authorities to remain on high alert and closely monitor travellers arriving from regions where Ebola infections have been reported. Screening at airports has been strengthened, particularly for passengers with recent travel history to affected countries, and additional preparedness protocols have been activated across the state’s healthcare system.
Major government hospitals have kept isolation wards and rapid response teams ready to manage any suspected cases. Medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals and primary health centres have been instructed to sensitise healthcare workers on Ebola symptoms, transmission routes and infection-control procedures. Training programmes for doctors, nurses and field staff are under way to ensure early identification and immediate reporting of suspected infections.
Health officials said they are reinforcing the response capacity of frontline medical personnel to prevent delays in detection and containment. Travellers from affected countries have been advised to report any illness during travel or after arrival without delay.
Symptoms of Ebola include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash and, in severe cases, internal or external bleeding. Authorities have urged anyone developing such symptoms within 30 days of arrival to seek medical attention immediately and notify health officials.
Ebola is a serious viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated surfaces. While Tamil Nadu has not recorded any cases, officials said rising international travel makes heightened preparedness essential.
The state has also launched public awareness campaigns on hygiene practices, symptom reporting and travel-related precautions. Surveillance officers have been asked to monitor unusual illness patterns and fever clusters, and coordination between airports, hospitals and laboratories has been strengthened to ensure rapid action if a suspected case emerges. — IANS
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/05/24/tn-steps-up-ebola-surveillance-at-airports-hospitals-following-centres-advisory/
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Publish Date: 2026-05-24 12:45:00
