NEW DELHI: A traveller with recent travel history to Uganda has been isolated at a government hospital in Bengaluru after reporting mild body ache, prompting heightened surveillance by the Centre amid ongoing Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa. Authorities, however, stressed that no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease has been detected in India so far.The Union ministry of health and family welfare on Wednesday said the individual has been admitted to the State-run epidemic diseases hospital in Bengaluru for observation and further evaluation as a precautionary measure.Meanwhile new agency ANI quoting sources said, “One individual with recent travel history from Uganda, who reported mild symptoms of body ache, and was placed under isolation at Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Bengaluru for observation and further evaluation, has tested negative for Ebola virus disease.”Also read: Ebola scare in Bengaluru: Ugandan woman with ‘signs’ isolated at airport“The Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving Ebola virus disease situation in view of recent outbreaks reported in parts of Africa,” the ministry said in a statement.Officials said the traveller is otherwise healthy and stable, with mild body ache being the only reported symptom so far.“A sample has been collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology for laboratory testing. Test results are awaited,” the ministry said.The Centre underlined that “at present, no case of Ebola virus disease has been confirmed in India.”The case has triggered enhanced monitoring by central and Karnataka health authorities, especially after the World Health Organization recently flagged Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa. Health officials said surveillance systems and emergency protocols have been activated in coordination with the Karnataka government and other agencies.“The ministry of health & family welfare, in coordination with the concerned State authorities, is maintaining close surveillance and all necessary public health protocols are being followed in accordance with WHO guidelines,” the statement added.According to Karnataka health department officials, the isolated individual is a 28-year-old Ugandan woman who arrived at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on May 23. Airport Health Organisation officials reportedly noticed signs of fatigue during screening and decided to collect samples for Ebola testing even though she did not have a fever.“We are still not sure (of her symptoms). The Airport Health Organisation noticed signs such as fatigue and decided to collect samples,” Karnataka health department principal secretary Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey said.Officials said the woman had initially checked into a hotel after arriving from Uganda but was later shifted to the State-run Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Indiranagar after developing mild symptoms including body ache. Authorities said her condition remains stable and she is under close medical observation.Samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing. Officials said a repeat test may also be conducted as part of standard protocol while the first set of reports is awaited.
What triggered the Ebola alert?
The alert comes amid rising global concern over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, particularly in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organization had earlier declared the outbreaks a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC), prompting several countries to strengthen surveillance measures.Indian health authorities said the traveller’s recent visit to Uganda, combined with mild symptoms such as fatigue and body ache, triggered precautionary isolation and testing measures.Officials said the move reflects India’s early detection and containment strategy aimed at preventing any possible imported infection.
What is Ebola Virus Disease?
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal viral illness that affects humans and other primates. The disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals.Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, Ebola can lead to internal and external bleeding and organ failure.According to the World Health Organization, Ebola outbreaks have historically recorded high fatality rates, although early diagnosis, isolation and supportive treatment significantly improve survival chances.
Is there an Ebola outbreak in India?
No. The Union health ministry has clarified that no Ebola case has been confirmed in India at present.Officials stressed that the current measures are precautionary and part of routine international surveillance following outbreaks abroad.“At present, no case of Ebola virus disease has been confirmed in India,” the ministry reiterated.
What measures has India taken?
The Centre said screening and surveillance measures are continuing at designated points of entry, including airports and public health facilities.Following the WHO alert, Karnataka health authorities issued an advisory asking travellers returning from Ebola-affected countries to undergo self-monitoring and health observation for 21 days after arrival.Officials said travellers developing symptoms have been advised to immediately report to the nearest health facility, while Rapid Response Teams will carry out surveillance and contact tracing if required.As part of preparedness measures, Bengaluru’s Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases has been identified as an isolation centre, while the Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Indiranagar has been designated as the quarantine and treatment facility.In Mangaluru, Srinivas Port Hospital under the New Mangalore Port Authority has been designated as the quarantine centre, while Wenlock District Hospital will function as the isolation and treatment facility.
What is most important during global health alerts like Ebola outbreaks?
The government also appealed to citizens not to panic or circulate misinformation regarding Ebola-related developments.“The Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving Ebola Virus Disease situation,” the ministry said, urging people to rely only on official sources for verified information.
