Ebola alert and screening tightened at Shamshabad Airport: Minister Damodar

Hyderabad, June-08: Telangana Medical and Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha commented that they are always vigilant against Ebola. He said that screening and surveillance have been tightened at Shamshabad Airport against Ebola. He said that there will be a 21-day surveillance on passengers coming from Ebola-affected countries. Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha held a review meeting on Ebola alertness at the State Secretariat. On this occasion, he made several key suggestions to the officials.

Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha said that two suspects tested negative for Ebola.. and samples were tested again. It was revealed that isolation facilities have been prepared at Gandhi Hospital. Ebola testing kits have been received.. and tests have started, CCMB officials said. Minister Damodar warned that cases will be registered against passengers who give false addresses. The minister ordered the officials to take action under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

Minister Damodar suggested that French, Arabic and Swahili language staff be deployed at the airport. He directed that the health, police and airport departments should coordinate for contact tracing. He said that all measures have been taken to prevent Ebola in the state. He said that people should not worry and should not believe in myths. Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha said that his government is alert with the guidelines of the Union Health Ministry and ICMR.