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Health authorities have intensified surveillance and precautionary measures against the Ebola virus at Cochin International Airport in Kerala’s Kochi following an emergency preparedness meeting jointly conducted by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and the Airport Health Organisation (APHO).
The move follows rising global concern over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa and aims to strengthen early detection and public health response systems at the airport.
According to an official media release issued on Friday, “Health surveillance and precautionary protocols against the Ebola virus have been intensified at Kochi airport.”
The release added that the meeting decided to strengthen passenger monitoring systems and reinforce coordinated public health response measures to prevent any possible spread of infection.
As part of the upgraded surveillance mechanism, airport authorities have activated a 24×7 monitoring system for international passengers.
The airport also introduced thermal screening, verification of 21-day travel history and mandatory submission of self-declaration forms for passengers arriving from abroad.
Officials said special monitoring would be carried out for travellers arriving from countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, where Ebola-related concerns remain significant.
CIAL Airport Director Manu G, Airport Health Officer Dr Raphael Teddy, Senior Medical Officer Dr Aysha Manika KA, and representatives from CISF, immigration authorities, airlines, the Airports Authority and CIAL attended the preparedness meeting.
Why Health Officials Remain Concerned
APHO Public Health Specialist Dr Anna presented a detailed preparedness and response plan focusing on Ebola prevention, case identification and infection control protocols.
Officials stated that among the five reported species of the Ebola virus, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus (BDBV) variant.
Authorities also highlighted that the disease can spread from animals to humans as well as through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Health officials said the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, while fever, sore throat, headache and flu-like symptoms are among the early warning signs. The mortality rate ranges between 30 and 50 per cent, they added.
To strengthen emergency preparedness, health authorities arranged isolation wards at Ernakulam General Hospital, Government Hospital Kalamassery and District Hospital Aluva.
Authorities have also stressed strict adherence to infection prevention measures, including the use of three-layer masks and maintaining proper hand hygiene through regular handwashing with soap.
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