Advisory for families staying and travelers visiting / returning after visiting West African Countries affected with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD):
08/14/2014

Brief description:

1. Ebola virus disease is rare.
2. Disease is spread by contact with body fluids of An infected person or a diseased animal or by coming in contact with contaminated objects.
3. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash and in some cases bleeding.
4. Persons who come in direct contact of body fluids of infected person or infected animal are at risk.
5. There is no vaccine or drugs.
5. Implementation of supportive therapy may increase the chances of survival.
7. Early detection, isolation of cases, contact tracing and monitoring of contacts and rigorous procedures for infection can prevent further outbreak.
8. In view of the prevailing situation it is advisable to avoid / defer travel to countries affected with outbreak of Ebola Virus disease.

Advisory for Indian families staying in affected areas (including travelers visiting):

1. Avoid all contact with suspect / confirmed cases of EVD and blood and body fluids of infected people or animals during your stay.
2. Do not handle items that may have come in contact with body fluids of diseased person or infected animal during your stay.
3. If you have been exposed to a suspected/confirmed Ebola cases, self-monitor health for occurrence of symptoms (like fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash and red eyes) for 30 days.
4. In case you suffer from any such illness, immediately isolate yourself from other family members and report to the designated health facility for prompt management.

Follow simple public health measures (also when accidentally exposed) like:

1. Hand hygiene Wash hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds after assisting ill travelers or coming in contact with body fluids or surfaces that may be contaminated.
2. An alcohol-based hand cleaner is an alternative to hand-washing but will not be effective if hands are visibly soiled.
3. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose with unwashed or gloved hands.
4. Staying away to avoid close contact
5. Use of tissues or face mask to prevent contact with respiratory secretions

Advisory for families and travelers returning to India:

1. If you have stayed in the areas where Ebola cases have been recently reported, self-monitor your health for occurrence of symptoms (like fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash and red eyes) for 30 days.
2. If you develop symptoms before travel, defer your travel and report to health facility
3. In case you develop symptoms on flight report to the airlines crew.
4. After disembarkation report to airport health officer on.
5. In case you suffer from any such illness after reaching home, immediately report to the nearest designated health facility for prompt management.