New Delhi – As India steps up its preparedness against a potential Ebola virus outbreak, former AIIMS New Delhi Director Dr. Randeep Guleria has emphasized that there is currently no definitive treatment for the deadly disease, which contributes to its high mortality rate. Despite the serious nature of the virus, Dr. Guleria urged the public not to panic, noting that most outbreaks have historically been confined to central and western Africa.
Ebola's High Mortality and Symptoms
Dr. Guleria, now Chairman of Internal Medicine, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta Gurugram, highlighted that while many patients do recover, the absence of a specific cure makes Ebola particularly dangerous. The virus can have a mortality rate of up to 50 percent.
He detailed the critical importance of infection control practices. "If we follow infection control practices and do not come in contact with an infected person, then there is no chance of infection," he stated. The incubation period for the Ebola virus ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include fever, body pain, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. More advanced symptoms can involve bleeding from the mouth or stool, and difficulty in breathing.
India's Proactive Screening and Advisories
In response to the global health alert, India has significantly enhanced its surveillance and preparedness measures. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a comprehensive health advisory for all passengers arriving from or transiting through countries affected by Ebola.
The advisory, prominently displayed at airports by the Airport Health Organisation (APHO), directs travelers exhibiting symptoms or those with a history of exposure to report immediately to airport health authorities before immigration clearance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as high-risk nations.
Travelers Urged to Report Symptoms
Passengers are specifically asked to monitor for a range of symptoms:
- Fever
- Weakness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Unexplained bleeding
Additionally, individuals who have had direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient are instructed to report their exposure to airport health officials without delay. APHO advises anyone developing symptoms within 21 days of arrival in India to seek immediate medical care and fully disclose their recent travel history.
National Preparedness Reviewed
The Centre has conducted a high-level review of preparedness measures across the country. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava recently chaired a meeting with health secretaries from various states and Union territories to assess readiness and response mechanisms.
Health ministry officials have confirmed that as of now, India has not detected any Ebola cases. However, following the WHO's declaration of Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), authorities are strengthening surveillance and preparedness as a crucial precautionary step. Detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering pre-arrival and post-arrival screening, quarantine protocols, case management, referral systems, and laboratory testing have been shared with all states and Union territories.