Eight under Ebola radar in Oman by Rahul Das    |    September 22, 2014 , 8 : 53 pm GST     Share

Muscat: Eight travellers from West Africa are being monitored for 21 days for fever and other symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Oman, according to an update from the Ministry of Health. However, there is no history of exposure to a suspect case and they have not developed any Ebola symptoms. It is also not clear whether they have been quarantined in the five-bedroom villas in Khoula Hospital or they are being monitored for fever and other symptoms at their homes. These villas have been identified as the quarantine centre for Ebola cases. The Public Relations Officer of Khoula Hospital is the in-charge for administrative support and a regional epidemiologist has been made in-charge of the quarantine centre. Though the threat from the epidemic has been described as remote, the ministry has issued quarantine guidelines for victims, if any cases do crop up.  "There can be two types of quarantine — home quarantine and institution quarantine," it said. In home quarantine, officials have been asked to compile a list of those who are in contact with the victim. The victim's movements should be controlled, and a regional epidemiologist should monitor their health conditions twice a day for fever for 21 days. In institution quarantine, all the suspected cases will be transferred from the airport to the quarantine centre by transport provided by the Oman Airport Management Committee (OAMC) where they will be put under surveillance. "Institution quarantine also includes uneducated people who do not understand the situation and seriousness of this disease," the guidelines from the ministry said. Dr Abdallah Assaedi, WHO representative in Oman, said that a national committee has been established under the overall supervision of Dr Mohamed Al Hosani, undersecretary for health for Ebola. "They meet regularly and get a full update of the situation," he said. Meanwhile, special screenings are in place for Muscat-bound passengers from African countries. "The surveillance system was launched on September 12, 2014," an airline official said. Sami Muctar, area manager - Oman, Ethiopian Airlines, said that passengers and crew of all inward bound flights from Africa to Muscat International Airport have been asked to fill  in the 'Self Declaration Form' by officials of the Ministry of Health. "This is being done as a precautionary measure," he explained. While Ethiopian Airlines operates four flights a week to Muscat International Airport, Oman Air operates flights to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Health has chalked out various preventive measures to face any possible importation of the epidemic. "There's no need to panic. The virus is not in the environment in Oman. But, since it's a terrifying disease, there is, indeed, concern about it," said a doctor attached with the private hospital. The ministry also believes that contact management of EVD is a key aspect in the prevention and control of the disease in the community.  http://www.timesofoman.com/News/40270/Article-Eight-under-Ebola-radar-in-Oman