Ebola Outbreak: Health Ministry Sounds High Alert

NEW DELHI — In response to an escalating Ebola outbreak in Africa, the Union Health Ministry has launched a nationwide review of India’s medical readiness and border surveillance systems. While health officials confirmed that India has not reported any cases of the Bundibugyo Ebola disease to date, the government is taking zero chances against potential cross-border transmission.

The Ministry is actively monitoring the African continent alongside the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Top-level briefing sessions have already been conducted with all States and Union Territories to audit regional isolation protocols, hospital preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms.

Strict New Screening Protocols for African Transit

To secure India’s ports of entry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an immediate, mandatory directive to all commercial airlines.

Affected Travel Zones	Immediate Requirements for Airlines
Uganda & The Democratic Republic of the Congo	Airlines must enforce mandatory self-declaration forms for all passengers departing from or transiting through these nations.
Data Collection	Forms must capture personal contact details, precise travel origin, exposure history, and active medical symptoms.

Mid-Flight Isolation: The New In-Flight Protocol

The DGCA has also established a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for international crews to handle anyone exhibiting symptoms mid-flight:

• The Three-Row Buffer: Flight crews must move any suspected symptomatic passenger to a designated, segregated seating area that leaves at least three vacant rows completely empty around them.
• PPE Deployment: The suspected passenger must be immediately provided with a medical mask and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Contamination Shielding: Protective masks must also be distributed to all passengers seated in the immediate vicinity of the suspect case to minimize any potential aerosol or contact risk.

“We are working closely with the National Centre for Disease Control and other agencies concerned, and have strengthened surveillance and public health preparedness across the country.”

— Senior Health Ministry Official