Following the World Health Organization declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the DGCA has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines to follow at airports across India. Here’s what passengers need to know.
DGCA Directives For Airlines After Ebola Outbreak
According to Hindustan Times, the DGCA has directed airlines to step up onboard surveillance and passenger screening under its new Ebola-response SOP. The order noted that countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, have been identified as high-risk zones for disease transmission.
As part of the guidelines, airlines have been asked to make in-flight announcements informing passengers about Ebola symptoms and reporting procedures. Travellers experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, or bleeding must immediately alert the cabin crew and report to airport immigration or medical officials upon arrival to ensure early diagnosis and prevent further spread.
Here’s All You Need To Know About This
Under the new guidelines, airlines must collect mandatory Self-Declaration Forms (SDF) from all passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries before they disembark at Indian airports. Airlines have also been instructed to make in-flight health announcements to help identify suspected Ebola cases at an early stage and curb any possible spread of the disease.
Additionally, passengers must be informed that if they develop Ebola-related symptoms within 21 days of arriving in India, they should immediately seek medical attention at designated hospitals and notify airport health authorities.
Also Read: Delhi Airport On High Alert Over Ebola Virus Spread, Advisory Issued; What Are The Symptoms?
Through these measures, the authorities aim to strengthen surveillance at Indian airports and enhance preparedness to prevent any potential spread of Ebola through international travel.
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FAQs
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a rare but serious viral disease that can cause severe illness and, in some cases, death. It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Common symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and in severe cases, internal or external bleeding.
Can Ebola spread through air travel?
Ebola is not airborne. However, infected travellers can carry the virus across borders, which is why screening and monitoring at airports are important.
What should a passenger do if Ebola symptoms appear after arriving in India?
If symptoms develop within 21 days of arrival, travellers should immediately seek treatment at designated hospitals and inform airport health authorities.