Thiruvananthapuram: A state rapid response committee meeting was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan. The meeting was convened in light of the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring a global public health emergency over the Ebola situation in African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

The meeting was part of preparedness measures, even though no Ebola cases have been reported in India at present. The committee reviewed the situation and noted that there is no reason for public alarm.

Travel surveillance and reporting guidelines issued

It was decided that travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries — the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan — must strictly follow health advisories issued by authorities.

Passengers presenting symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat or bleeding are required to report to health officials at airports. Individuals who have been in direct contact with confirmed or suspected Ebola cases are also instructed to report.

A 21-day monitoring system will be implemented for travellers arriving from countries listed by the WHO and the Union government. The Health Department will oversee the surveillance mechanism.

Airport preparedness and institutional coordination

Health authorities confirmed that screening facilities and intensive care arrangements for isolation have been set up at Kerala’s four international airports and two seaports. These facilities are intended for passengers requiring medical evaluation and isolation.

Operations of airport and seaport health units will be coordinated in line with Union government guidelines by district disease surveillance teams and medical colleges. Staff across these institutions will be trained in infection control practices, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), treatment protocols and critical care management of patients.

The meeting was attended by the Health Department Additional Chief Secretary, National Health Mission State Director, Ayush Mission Director, Health Director, Director of Medical Education, heads of Ayush departments, head of the Food Safety Department and public health experts