Ebola Threat Puts AP on Guard, Intensive Screening Underway at Gannavaram Airport

As concerns grow over the spread of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa, the Andhra Pradesh government has heightened surveillance measures and strengthened health checks for international travelers entering the state. Authorities have intensified screening procedures at Gannavaram Airport near Vijayawada as part of a proactive effort to prevent any potential importation of the deadly disease.

Health officials said special monitoring has been underway for passengers arriving from overseas destinations. According to Dr. Sujana of Government General Hospital (GGH), Vijayawada , screening operations have been conducted continuously for the past 20 days, with medical teams closely examining travelers for symptoms associated with Ebola infection.

Particular attention is being given to passengers arriving from Singapore , which serves as a major international transit hub for travelers from various parts of the world. Screening is being carried out on flights operating three days a week—Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesday, health authorities screened 127 passengers who arrived from Singapore and found no signs of illness linked to the virus.

The surveillance drive has also covered returning Haj pilgrims , who underwent health screening upon arrival at the airport. Medical teams conducted checks during both daytime and late-night arrivals to ensure that all incoming travelers were assessed as a precautionary measure.

Officials have emphasized that no suspected Ebola cases have been detected so far among the passengers screened at Gannavaram Airport. Nevertheless, authorities are taking no chances. Dedicated quarantine rooms have been kept ready within the airport premises to immediately isolate and monitor anyone displaying suspicious symptoms. If a traveler develops unexplained fever or other warning signs, health teams are prepared to initiate emergency protocols without delay.

The heightened alert comes amid growing international concern over outbreaks reported in parts of Central and East Africa , particularly in countries such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo . Health experts describe Ebola as a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. The disease spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals and requires swift containment measures to prevent transmission.

Global health agencies have urged countries to strengthen surveillance at airports and other points of entry, especially for travelers arriving from affected regions. In line with these recommendations, Indian authorities have advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to countries experiencing active outbreaks and have instructed health departments to remain vigilant.

With international travel continuing to connect regions across the globe, Andhra Pradesh's preventive measures reflect a broader commitment to public health preparedness , ensuring that any potential threat is detected and addressed at the earliest stage.