MANGALORE: The Health Department will initiate steps to screen international passengers arriving at Kempegowda International Airport and Mangalore International Airport in Bajpe for strains of Ebola virus which is threatening East African nations, Health Minister U T Khader said.
The screening facilities will be available at both the airports from Saturday.
He said all district hospitals near the Bajpe airport have been asked to reserve wards for passengers showing symptoms of Ebola. The passengers infected with Ebola virus will be quarantined at the airport and will be taken to the hospital, he said. Khader said there are no major threats to Karnataka as there are no direct flights from East African countries to Mangalore or Bangalore. The passengers will be screened at Mumbai and Delhi airports. He said it is the duty of the government to take precautionary measures.
“Moreover, we are waiting for the WHO guidelines in this case,” he said.
The Health Minister requested people from the state to defer their travel to East African countries. He pointed out that all the flight operators will be requested to provide the list of travelers from East African countries to the state Health Department to track and screen them easily.
Trauma Centre
The government is planning to set up a trauma and emergency centre at Uppinangady or Sakaleshpur to deal with road mishaps swiftly, Khader said. He said that the plan to set up the trauma centre along NH 75 will get the Centre’s nod soon.
What is Ebola?
Ebola virus infection is a severe and fatal illness with a mortality rate of 90 per cent. The disease can spread through close contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals like chimpanzee, gorilla, fruit bats, monkeys and others.
Precautions
The life span of Ebola virus, which is now threatening East African countries, is very short. However, people should be cautious while handling currencies, coins, groceries or swimming in pools in areas where suspected cases have been reported.