New Delhi, May 21: Indira Gandhi International Airport has issued a public health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, directing those with symptoms to immediately report to health authorities, as concerns over the viral outbreak intensify globally.
The advisory, based on guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, targets travellers from identified high-risk countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. These nations have been flagged following recent updates from the World Health Organization.
Airport authorities have asked passengers experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, muscle pain, sore throat or unexplained bleeding to inform the Airport Health Officer or approach designated health desks before proceeding with immigration clearance. The directive also applies to those who may have had direct contact with bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients.
Officials have emphasised that vigilance does not end upon arrival. Travellers have been instructed to monitor their health for up to 21 days after entering the country. In case of any symptoms developing within this period, they have been advised to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their recent travel history to healthcare providers.
The airport has urged full cooperation with health screening protocols, underlining that such measures are essential for ensuring passenger safety and adherence to international health regulations. The advisory forms part of broader preventive efforts as global health authorities step up monitoring of Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa.
Recent data from the Democratic Republic of Congo indicates a concerning rise in suspected cases. The country has reported 513 suspected infections and 131 deaths in the latest outbreak. However, officials have clarified that not all fatalities have been conclusively linked to Ebola.
The situation has prompted precautionary responses from several countries. Jordan, for instance, has temporarily suspended the entry of travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, reflecting heightened international caution.
Health authorities in India are closely tracking developments and reinforcing surveillance mechanisms at major entry points. The advisory at Delhi Airport signals a proactive approach aimed at early detection and containment, particularly in the context of increasing international travel.
Ebola, a severe and often fatal illness, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, making early identification and isolation critical to preventing wider transmission. The latest measures underscore the importance of public awareness and prompt reporting in managing potential risks.
As global health concerns persist, authorities continue to stress that adherence to advisories and timely medical intervention remain key to safeguarding public health and preventing outbreaks from spreading across borders.
