FLIGHTS from India are being “isolated” at Bahrain International Airport as part of precautionary measures following the outbreak of a deadly virus in its southern state of Kerala.
The rare, brain-damaging Nipah Virus (NiV), which has infected at least 18 people and killed 17 of them, is contagious and currently has no vaccines.
The outbreak was first reported earlier last month in Kozhikode, Kerala.
In a health advisory, the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) cited “mitigation measures” at the airport in co-ordination with the Health Ministry.
“Until further notice, all flights originating from India shall be parked on remote stands at the middle apron,” said BAC chief airport operations officer Michael Hohenberger in the advisory dated May 31.
“I would like to alert you all about the recent pandemic outbreak of NiV.
“We have learnt through various media that the virus has currently affected certain regions in India.
“While we have no reports or findings of this virus in Bahrain, as a preventive step, BAC in co-ordination with the Health Ministry will arrange for the following mitigation measures at the BIA.
“Installation of camera scanners at level two and eight near gates 14 and 15 and post duty free arrivals, hand scanners will be operated by trained nurses from the Health Ministry at arrival gate 13B and the disease isolation room is equipped and readied to treat any subjects.”
The GDN reported on Friday that passengers arriving from Kerala would be medically screened at the airport, according to a Health Ministry official.
However, no such screenings are being carried out, according to arriving passengers.
“A friend who arrived on Friday had high fever and chest congestion. I was afraid she would be isolated, but nothing happened,” said an Indian.
“This is risky as it could be any infection, not just NiV, and it is always wise to check,” he said.
The GDN also confirmed that two other passengers from Kozhikode who entered Bahrain during the weekend had flu and cough, the symptoms of NiV.
Symptoms
“There were no checks at Kozhikode airport as well as in Bahrain; does this mean the NiV concern is not as serious as highlighted?” asked a passenger.
The World Health Organisation defines Nipah virus as one that is spread by fruit bats which cause communicable disease and is fatal for both animals and humans.
The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation and mental confusion.
These signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours.
Bahrain is home to more than 200,000 Keralites, most of them families, who often travel home when schools break for summer.
However, the GDN reported last week that there has been a drop of almost 50 per cent in airline bookings to Kerala with travel agents and airlines confirming that some passengers had cancelled trips and holiday plans due to fears over the virus.
Bahrain has also imposed a temporary ban on imports of fruit and vegetables from Kerala.
The Health Ministry earlier this month said there were no suspected cases of the NiV in Bahrain, while the kingdom’s consulate in Mumbai warned its citizens against travelling to Kerala.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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