Ebola alert at Raipur airport, Chhattisgarh govt appoints nodal officer for passenger screening

RAIPUR: Amid growing global concern over Ebola infections and fresh advisories issued across the country, the Chhattisgarh health department has sounded an alert at Raipur airport and ordered deployment of a nodal officer to coordinate health screening and emergency response for incoming passengers.An order issued by the directorate of health services under the integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP) on Monday directed the chief medical and health officer (CMHO), Raipur, to appoint a nodal officer at the airport premises for Ebola surveillance and preventive management.According to the order, the nodal officer will coordinate health screening of passengers arriving at the airport, identify suspected cases and immediately alert the concerned health authorities. The officer will also oversee isolation arrangements, referrals and emergency medical response if required.The move comes as health authorities across India step up precautionary surveillance measures following international alerts related to Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa.Officials said the state govt currently has no reported Ebola case, but surveillance systems are being strengthened as a preventive measure, especially at transit points handling international travellers.Ebola is considered one of the world’s deadliest viral diseases with a high fatality rate in severe outbreaks. The infection spreads through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected persons or animals such as bats and primates. Health officials clarify that Ebola does not spread through air, water or routine social contact.The disease usually develops symptoms within two to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms resemble severe flu, including sudden fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat, but the infection can rapidly worsen and trigger life-threatening complications.Officials said airport surveillance teams have been instructed to remain alert for passengers displaying symptoms linked to viral hemorrhagic fevers or recent travel history to affected regions.The order has also been marked to senior officials of the state health and family welfare department for information and monitoring.