Ebola fear pushes Ahmedabad into alert mode, 11 Africa returnees isolated, special ward prepared

After Ebola created panic across parts of Africa, Ahmedabad’s health authorities have now shifted into emergency-preparedness mode. Fearing possible spillover risks, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has placed 11 people arriving from Ebola-affected African nations under home isolation and activated special surveillance systems across the city.

The move comes as Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan continue reporting Ebola infections, forcing Indian authorities to tighten monitoring at airports and hospitals.

According to health officials, 11 travellers who recently arrived from Ebola-affected African countries have been placed under mandatory home isolation in Ahmedabad. All of them reportedly reside in western parts of the city.

Authorities claimed none of the isolated individuals are currently showing Ebola symptoms and no confirmed exposure to positive patients has been found so far. However, officials are unwilling to take any chances amid growing global concern over the virus.

The administration has now made home isolation compulsory for all passengers arriving from Uganda, Congo and South Sudan.

Sensing the seriousness of the situation, authorities have prepared a dedicated 30-bed quarantine ward at SVP Hospital to handle any suspected Ebola emergency.

The special ward has reportedly been kept on standby as part of precautionary planning in case suspected cases emerge in the coming days.

Ahmedabad airport has also been placed under heightened surveillance. Screening operations for passengers arriving from affected African countries are being carried out daily between 6 pm and 10 am.

Under fresh aviation and health protocols issued by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), all international passengers are now required to fill Self Declaration Forms (SDFs). Airlines have also been instructed to make onboard announcements before landing to speed up health screening and reduce airport crowding.

Nearly 24*7 frontline health workers have been deployed at airport arrival sections to monitor incoming passengers and identify suspected cases at the earliest stage.

Authorities are also considering restarting the Air Suvidha portal to strengthen passenger tracking and surveillance systems.

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak has already triggered international public health concern globally, with African countries witnessing rising infections and deaths.