Special screening, quarantine preparedness and enhanced monitoring measures launched at Vijayawada Airport amid international Ebola concerns
The Andhra Pradesh Government has strengthened precautionary measures across the state following the spread of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa, with health authorities intensifying surveillance and passenger screening at Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada.
According to Dr Sujana of Government General Hospital (GGH), Vijayawada, special surveillance is being conducted for passengers arriving from foreign countries, particularly those travelling from regions considered vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks. Screening procedures have been operational for the past 20 days, covering all international arrivals at the airport.
Speaking on the ongoing preventive efforts, Dr Sujana stated that passengers arriving from Singapore are being screened three times a week—every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On the latest screening day, health officials examined 127 passengers who arrived from Singapore.
Enhanced Monitoring for Haj Pilgrims
Health authorities have also conducted special screening for Haj pilgrims arriving at Gannavaram Airport. The screening operations were carried out during both afternoon and late-night hours to ensure comprehensive monitoring of incoming travellers.
Officials confirmed that no Ebola-related symptoms have been detected among any of the passengers screened so far. However, quarantine rooms have been kept ready to immediately isolate any individual showing suspected symptoms, ensuring a rapid response if required.
What is Ebola Disease?
Ebola Disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The disease is known for its high mortality rate and poses a significant public health threat during outbreaks.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, making early detection, isolation and surveillance critical tools in preventing its spread.
Centre Issues Travel Advisory
The Central Government has advised Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.
The advisory follows increasing concerns over the spread of the disease across parts of Africa, particularly in countries neighbouring outbreak zones.
WHO Declares Global Public Health Emergency
In response to reported Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO), under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026.
Additionally, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The WHO Emergency Committee has also recommended strengthening disease surveillance at international points of entry to identify travellers with unexplained fever arriving from affected regions. The organisation further advised countries to discourage travel to areas where the Bundibugyo virus has been detected.
Countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, are currently considered at high risk of Ebola transmission, prompting health authorities worldwide to remain on high alert.
