Authorities at Jinnah International Airport have intensified Ebola screening and health surveillance measures for international arrivals as Pakistan strengthens precautionary efforts ahead of the return of Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
According to health officials, enhanced monitoring procedures are being implemented for passengers arriving from abroad, particularly travellers coming from African countries affected by recent Ebola outbreaks, as well as pilgrims returning from Jeddah during the Hajj operation.
Officials stated that the return of Hajj pilgrims is expected to begin from the third day of Eid ul Adha, prompting authorities to increase preparedness at the airport.
Dr Syed Zafar Mehdi said viruses such as Ebola can spread internationally through infected travellers, especially from countries currently facing outbreaks.
He explained that dedicated health teams have been deployed at the airport to examine passengers using scanners, thermal guns and other screening equipment.
According to Dr Mehdi, any passenger showing symptoms such as high fever, skin rashes or visible red spots on the body would immediately be referred for further medical assessment at the Sindh Government Infectious Diseases Hospital located in NIPA.
Suspected patients would remain in isolation at the hospital until test results are received, officials confirmed.
The Sindh Health Department also announced that airport screening staff have received special training to identify Ebola symptoms and follow emergency response protocols effectively.
Health authorities stated that precautionary and emergency arrangements at Karachi airport were finalized after the recent international declaration regarding the Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Emergency ambulances have also been stationed at the airport to ensure rapid transportation of suspected infectious disease patients to designated treatment facilities.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak has already caused hundreds of suspected deaths and that delays in detecting infections have complicated containment efforts.
Health officials in Pakistan continue to stress that the enhanced screening measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring public safety as global health authorities monitor the evolving outbreak situation.
