In view of concerns surrounding the Ebola virus, all airports across the country have been placed on high alert, with the Union Health Ministry issuing fresh directives to international airports to strengthen surveillance and screening measures.

As per the guidelines issued by the ministry, thermal screening of arriving passengers will be conducted to identify any potential symptoms. Authorities have also been instructed to verify the travel history of passengers for the past 21 days as part of precautionary measures.

Officials stated that if any traveller is found to be suspicious or displays symptoms linked to the disease, further testing and necessary action will be undertaken in accordance with the prescribed health protocols and guidelines.

Speaking on the preparedness measures, Bhubaneswar International Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan said that special emphasis is being placed on passenger screening and monitoring. He informed that the airport currently has direct international flight connectivity only to Bangkok. Therefore, passengers arriving from that route are being kept under special observation and additional vigilance is being maintained.

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Airport authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all preventive measures are implemented effectively to avoid any public health risk. 

“We have direct international flight connectivity only to Bangkok. Experts will conduct surveillance and profiling. If any suspected case is detected, we will act in accordance with the prescribed protocols and guidelines,” said Bhubaneswar International Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan.