Bengaluru, May 23: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” In response, the Karnataka government has activated a high alert status. The state health department has intensified monitoring and preparedness measures in light of the potential threat.
According to a statement from the health department, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD) in Bengaluru has been designated as an isolation center. Additionally, the Epidemic Disease Hospital has been marked as a quarantine and treatment center.
In Mangaluru, the Srinivas Port Hospital, under the New Mangalore Port Authority, has been established as a quarantine center, while the Wenlock District Hospital has been prepared as an isolation and treatment facility.
The health department confirmed that samples from suspected Ebola patients will be sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for verification through the NIV Bengaluru.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and rely solely on official information provided by the health department. They advised individuals returning from Ebola-affected countries to monitor their health for 21 days after arriving in India. If any symptoms appear, they should contact the nearest health center immediately.
Currently, there are no reported cases of Ebola in India. However, precautionary measures have been ramped up due to international travel and trade considerations.
Ebola is a severe viral disease characterized by symptoms such as high fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rashes, and red eyes. The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, organs, or bodily fluids of infected individuals. Contaminated clothing, bedding, and syringes can also transmit the virus. Healthcare workers and close family members of infected individuals are at the highest risk.
The state government has increased surveillance of suspected cases under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP). Vigilance has also been heightened at airports and other entry points.
Furthermore, quarantine and isolation facilities are being maintained, referral ambulance services are on alert, and healthcare workers are receiving specialized training.
The health department has assured that there is a sufficient stock of PPE kits, medications, and laboratory facilities across the state. Rapid response teams are also on high alert.
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