Pune Airport Strengthens Ebola Surveillance; No Cases Detected So Far
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 4th June 2026: Pune International Airport has intensified health surveillance and preparedness measures following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026.
In line with advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, airport authorities have implemented a comprehensive preparedness and response mechanism to prevent the possible spread of the disease through international travel.
A coordinated response system involving the Airport Public Health Office (APHO), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Immigration, Customs, airlines, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other stakeholders has been established. To review preparedness and strengthen coordination among agencies, a multi-agency meeting was held on May 26 under the chairmanship of Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke.
As part of the enhanced surveillance measures, all arriving international passengers are undergoing health screening. Self Declaration Forms (SDFs) are being distributed and scrutinised, while thermal screening and risk assessments are being carried out at designated APHO counters. Any suspected cases identified during screening are being referred for further evaluation in accordance with national health protocols.
Authorities have also initiated round-the-clock surveillance activities, with daily reporting being conducted through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). Regular training programmes and personal protective equipment (PPE) drills are being organised for APHO personnel and representatives of stakeholder agencies to ensure operational readiness in the event of a public health emergency.
To create awareness among travellers, health advisories and informational materials related to Ebola have been prominently displayed across airport terminals.
Naidu Hospital in Pune has been designated as the referral facility for the isolation, observation, and management of any suspected Ebola cases requiring further medical evaluation and treatment.
Speaking about the preparedness measures, Santosh Dhoke, Airport Director, Pune International Airport, said, “Pune International Airport is fully prepared to respond to any public health contingency arising from the global Ebola outbreak. We have strengthened surveillance, screening, and coordination mechanisms in line with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The safety and well-being of passengers remain our highest priority, and all stakeholders are working together to ensure effective monitoring and rapid response. We urge travellers to cooperate with health screening procedures and follow all advisories issued by health authorities.”
Officials stated that all preparedness measures are fully operational and surveillance activities are being carried out continuously in close coordination with all airport stakeholders.
The Airport Public Health Office clarified that no confirmed Ebola case has been detected at Pune International Airport so far.
Passengers have been advised to cooperate with health screening procedures, provide accurate information in Self Declaration Forms, and immediately report any symptoms of illness to health authorities.
The APHO reiterated that continuous monitoring, preventive measures, and inter-agency coordination remain in place to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of air travellers.
