(13th August, 2014); Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Health, has clarified that India does not have any confirmed or even suspected Ebola virus affected person. World Health Organization (WHO) had informed that one Indian passenger had travelled on the same flight in which Ebola virus patient (foreign national) was travelling from Monrovia to Lagos. This Indian passenger is back in India. He has been tracked and his health is being regularly monitored. The Health Minister said “We are happy to share that the said person is healthy, fit and fine.”
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministries of Home Affairs (Immigration Department), External Affairs and Civil Aviation, is constantly tracking passengers arriving in India from the West African countries affected by Ebola.
The two passengers who reached Chennai on 9th August, 2014 i.e. 27 year old male who travelled from Guinea and a 40 year old male who travelled from Liberia are in good health and they are under observation.
“There is no reason for getting worried over the odd case of a visitor to the country arriving in an indisposed condition. We have all the mechanisms in place for prompt treatment and subsequent monitoring,” Dr Harsh Vardhan said.
WHO has reported 1848 cases including 1013 death due to Ebola Virus Disease (as on 9th August 2014). Fresh updated is awaited from WHO.
