Ebola alert in Paradip port

Odisha Channel Bureau Paradip, Sep 1: In the wake of outbreak of Ebola cases in Western African countries, authorities of Paradip Port Trust (PPT) in coastal Odisha are on the alert initiating precautionary measures.On directions received from the Union Shipping Ministry, the port has stepped up health-related watch and vigil on crews of foreign vessels.However, the major port is comparatively safer from possible Ebola infection as ships from West African countries rarely land here either for export or import.Ships mostly from Australia, Japan and south Asian and far eastern countries make their way to the port, said Port Facility and Security Officer, Gouri Prasad Biswal. The port officials are vigilant.Medical teams are examining health of all the crew members of ships.“We are not allowing any crew member to land in the port before obtaining health clearance certificates from the medical team.Screening at the port is already in place for ship and crew members entering the port even if they are not from West Africa region,” informed officials.Health officials of the port have been trained on symptoms of Ebola and measures to take care of Ebola affected crew members.“We directed the customs and health officials to adopt preventive measures in handling cargoes and crew members at the port.All ships have to declare that there are no illnesses on board and satisfy certain port health requirements”, said officials.