Visakhapatnam Steps Up Vigil as Ebola Threat Looms

The district health administration has intensified surveillance measures in Visakhapatnam following concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus in several African countries, with authorities initiating screening and quarantine preparedness at key transit points across the city.

Acting on directions from Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, the Health Department has begun screening passengers arriving from countries such as Congo, Sudan, and Uganda at the city’s airport and port.

“Special screening arrangements have been made for international travellers arriving from African nations where Ebola cases have been reported. Surveillance teams have been deployed, and all precautionary protocols are being followed,” a senior health official said.

Officials stated that travellers exhibiting symptoms including fever, sore throat, body pain, or unexplained bleeding would be subjected to medical examination and kept under quarantine for 21 days if required.

“A dedicated 30-bed isolation ward is being prepared at the Chest and Infectious Diseases Hospital in Pedawaltair to handle any suspected cases,” the official added.

The VRDL laboratory team at King George Hospital has been entrusted with collecting samples from suspected patients. The samples will be sent to Pune for confirmatory testing, while patients will remain in isolation until the results are received.

Meanwhile, the Department of Microbiology at Andhra Medical College is set to organise a capacity-building programme for doctors and healthcare personnel on Ebola management and infection-control practices.

Health authorities also appealed to the public to remain cautious and report suspected symptoms immediately.

“Anyone who has arrived from African countries within the past 21 days and develops symptoms associated with Ebola should immediately contact the Health Department,” officials said.