Epidemic: 4-scenario protocol against Ebola initiated

Simulation exercise at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport yesterday

Minister Bachoo: “We are prepared for any eventuality”

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Airports of Mauritius Ltd, organized a simulation exercise around the implementation of the ongoing protocol to counter the spread of the Ebola virus at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, yesterday. Four scenarios were considered for rapid and appropriate treatment of suspected cases. The Souillac hospital has been designated to accommodate the sick while the Riambel Recreation Center will be used as a quarantine center.

On June 5, the Council of Ministers approved a series of health measures to deal with the Ebola epidemic, which is currently raging in parts of Africa. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health wanted to test the effectiveness of the measures put in place at Plaisance airport through a simulation exercise.

Health Minister Anil Bachoo explained that “recently, we have had a lot of Communicable Diseases, like chikungunya, dengue fever – fortunately we have not had many cases – leptospirosis, with deaths recorded. Then there was a case of Mpox that we were able to control. The greatest danger remains Ebola. Fortunately we have not recorded any cases to date. The government has decided to be very strict on this subject. »

Anil Bachoo added that the government will do everything humanly possible to protect the population. A meeting was held between the Ministry of Health, Airports of Mauritius Ltd and other partners a few days ago to establish the different possible scenarios, as well as the reaction. “This is why we are carrying out this simulation exercise to test the practical application of this protocol,” he said.

The simulation is triggered for the first scenario: the captain informs the control tower that there is a sick passenger on the plane, showing symptoms of Ebola. The AML management and the health service, based at the airport, are immediately informed. Health then triggers the protocol for this first scenario. An ambulance, with a medical team, shows up on the tarmac, as the plane lands.

Previously, the captain had already warned the passengers: “Everyone remains seated upon landing due to an emergency. “The medical team comes on board, in wetsuits, the passenger is questioned about their symptoms and the country they visited. While the other passengers are evacuated, those who were in the three rows in front and behind the sick passenger as well as those next to him remain there. The device, including the toilet used by the passenger, will be disinfected