Kochi airport on high alert: 24x7 health surveillance rolled out after WHO declares Ebola emergency

Kochi: The Airport Health Organisation (APHO) and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) have jointly activated a round-the-clock, 24x7 health surveillance system at Kochi airport. The move places Kochi among the first airports in India to operationalise on-ground public health protocols following the World Health Organisation’s declaration on May 16 of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The escalation comes amid growing international concern over the spread and severity of the outbreak, prompting enhanced airport screening and national preparedness measures across India.

WHO flags ebola outbreak as global health emergency

The World Health Organisation’s announcement on May 16 classified the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The figures cited at the time underline the seriousness of the situation. As of May 20, there were 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over what he described as the “scale and speed” of the outbreak.

Enhanced airport screening rolled out at Kochi

Under the newly activated CIAL-APHO surveillance system, international passengers arriving at Kochi airport, particularly those travelling from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, will undergo enhanced health screening procedures.

These include thermal screening, mandatory submission of self-declaration forms, and verification of a 21-day travel history.

A high-level meeting between CIAL and APHO, attended by Airport Director Manu G and senior health officials, also emphasised strict adherence to three-layer mask usage and proper hand hygiene practices.

In addition, isolation facilities have been designated at Ernakulam General Hospital, Government Hospital Kalamassery, and District Hospital Aluva for the management of suspected cases.

Nationwide monitoring and airport advisories intensified

On May 21, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a formal health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The advisory instructs individuals showing symptoms to immediately report to airport health authorities before proceeding with immigration clearance.

At the national level, the Union Health Secretary has chaired a comprehensive review of preparedness. All states and Union Territories have been directed to ensure readiness across all levels of the health system.

Officials, however, have clarified that no Ebola case has been detected in India so far.

Concerns over Bundibugyo strain and detection gap

Health officials present at the Kochi review meeting highlighted a significant concern linked to the current outbreak strain.

Among the five known Ebola species, there is presently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain that is driving the current outbreak.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also experiencing its 17th Ebola outbreak since 1976, underscoring the recurring nature of the disease in the region.

Officials further noted a critical epidemiological gap, pointing to a four-week delay between the onset of symptoms in the index case and laboratory confirmation. This delay suggests the virus may have been circulating undetected for a longer period than initially assumed.

Symptoms, incubation period and travel advisory

Health authorities have cautioned that Ebola symptoms may appear anywhere between two and 21 days after exposure, making post-travel monitoring particularly important.

Key symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, weakness, and unexplained bleeding.

Travellers returning from affected regions are advised to remain vigilant during the incubation window and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Public health advisory: No cause for panic

Authorities have stressed that there is no reason for public panic.

Indian health officials noted that the country successfully managed similar precautionary measures during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, applying comparable surveillance and containment protocols.

While the global risk has been assessed by the WHO as low, regional and national risks remain elevated in affected countries. Indian authorities maintain that preparedness measures are in place and that the situation is being closely monitored.