Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : October 22, 2014 10:10 AM IST
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Nigeria officially free of Ebola, praising the coordinated efforts of the health authorities in prompt response against the virus outbreak and setting up an incident management centre. WHO's official statement said 'Nigeria sets an example of a spectacular success story that strengthens our belief that Ebola can be contained.' The agency also urged countries all over the world to learn from Nigeria and improve their preparedness plans.
Appreciating Nigeria's health crisis management approach, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said Tuesday that India has already set up a surveillance and tracking system similar to that in Nigeria. Recently, there had been concerns regarding the country's preparedness plans for dealing with an Ebola emergency. But the minister assured that all the equipment are upgraded and the training programme for health staff is in place to strengthen the response. 'India already has a highly-rated integrated disease surveillance network,' he said. He also mentioned that thermal scanners, which made Nigeria's success possible, is widely prevalent in most of the 15 major airports, often two in each. (Read: 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection)
There has been no Ebola case in India yet but the government is not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring ultimate safety. 'The government will purchase more such scanners, which are meant to detect high body temperature, one of the key Ebola symptoms, and install them over the next few days at airports and sea ports,' he said. Following a meeting with officials from several ministries besides those from defence forces and National Disaster Management Authority, he said all international airports and sea ports will soon be fitted out with thermal scanners and other detection equipment for round-the-clock deployment. (Read: Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ))
Health authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport conducted a mock drill on Ebola emergency today to test the alertness of the Ebola detection centre. According to the statement, a few more tests will be carried out at all airports in the country within a few days and at regular intervals, to ensure the alertness is maintained. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
Here are some expert tips that can help you prevent the disease.
Educate yourself about Ebola: Knowing the symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures is the first step to prevent the spread of the disease. This information is especially important for those who are travelling to and from affected areas in West Africa.
Use protective gear: For healthcare workers and medical staff, it is absolutely mandatory to use protective gear including gloves and special masks and a body suit to prevent exposure to the virus. Even healthy individuals living in affected West African countries should use gloves and mask to prevent spread of the disease.
Do not eat under-cooked meat: The virus seems to have transferred to humans through animals. Although bats are suspected as the original reservoir of the virus, it is also been found to spread to other animals. In any case, it is best to avoid eating undercooked meat. Read more about 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from ANI
Image Source: Getty Images
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