The movement of people to and from four African countries currently facing an outbreak of Ebola virus would be closely monitored, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan told Parliament on Wednesday.

Currently, outbreaks have been seen in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, which have reported at least 1,603 cases of Ebola virus disease, including 887 deaths.

Even as some airlines have suspended flights to these countries in an effort to curtail the spread of the fatal disease, the Government has decided to monitor individuals travelling to India from these countries.

“We would be obtaining details of travellers originating or transiting from Ebola virus affected countries to India from the concerned airlines and our missions and tracking these persons after their arrival in India, up to their final destination in the country,” Vardhan said.

Since the incubation period of the virus is as long as 20-21 days, it can be present in the body without manifesting symptoms and the Government intends to track travellers till the time they stay in India. The infection can spread from both affected humans and animals.

“The surveillance system would be geared up to track these travellers for four weeks and to detect them early, in case they develop symptoms. These persons would also be advised to self report in case of symptoms,” the Minister said.

Similar steps would also be taken by the Indian Armed Forces with regard to personnel deployed in these nations who come back to India.

Vardhan added that about 4,700 Indians are currently living in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, while Nigeria has about 40,000 Indian citizen. Further, about 7,000 Indian troops are estimated to be deployed in the Africa, but not in the affected countries.

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