Andhra Pradesh Steps Up Ebola Vigilance at Vijayawada Airport

Andhra Pradesh has activated heightened surveillance at Vijayawada airport amid growing concerns over Ebola outbreaks in several African nations. From Tuesday onward, every international arrival undergoes mandatory health checks, including temperature screening and review of travel declarations. The state health department, acting on central government directives, has instructed airport medical units to flag passengers arriving from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan for additional clinical evaluation. Minister Satya Kumar Yadav confirmed that fifteen-bed isolation facilities are being established at key hospitals to handle any positive cases. Close contacts of suspected patients will be traced and monitored immediately, while symptomatic travelers will be placed under quarantine without delay. Officials stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination between airport authorities and district medical teams to ensure seamless execution of the protocol. The initiative aligns with WHO recommendations and central advisories aimed at minimizing cross-border transmission risks. Travelers are urged to cooperate fully with health personnel to help maintain a robust defense against the virus.