NEW DELHI: Airlines flying passengers to India who have visited Ebola-affected areas in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, must now ensure that such travelers complete self-declaration forms (SDF) before arrival. Thermal screening will be conducted for passengers arriving from these hotspots.
In a measure reminiscent of Covid-19 protocols, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued guidelines to prevent potential Ebola transmission. Airlines are required to move symptomatic passengers to the rear of the aircraft to minimize exposure to others. As far as possible, three rows in front of and behind the suspected case should be kept vacant.
Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, which carry passengers from affected countries, must alert air traffic control if a suspected or symptomatic case is on board, so the aircraft can be directed to a separate bay. Asymptomatic passengers will disembark first, followed by suspected cases, who will be handed over to health teams.
Airlines must now make the following announcement: “In view of the current threat of Ebola disease in certain countries, any traveler who has fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or bleeding should report immediately to the airline crew and at the immigration or medical unit on arrival. This is important for early diagnosis for prompt management and preventing spread.”
“All travelers, including passengers and crew, irrespective of nationality, will be required to fill a self-declaration form and hand it over at the immigration or designated counter. If any of these symptoms develop within 21 days of arrival in India, the traveler should seek medical assistance from designated hospitals and also inform the airport health office,” the announcement must state.
The in-flight protocol for suspected cases requires airlines to designate a single cabin crew member to exclusively care for the symptomatic passenger and designate a separate washroom for the suspect case. The sick passenger should be provided with a mask and personal protective equipment. Complete disinfection of the aircraft must be carried out immediately after landing.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J P Nadda reviewed preparedness measures for Ebola. “India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease till date,” Nadda said. He directed officials, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the National Centre for Disease Control to keep all necessary arrangements for tracking, testing, and surveillance in a constant state of readiness.
