A 28-year-old woman from Uganda who was isolated in Bengaluru after showing mild symptoms linked to Ebola has tested negative for the virus, health officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The development comes amid heightened surveillance across India following recent Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Africa, particularly Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda Traveller Isolated As Precautionary Measure
According to officials, the woman arrived at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on May 23 after travelling from Uganda via Ahmedabad.
Although she reportedly showed no major symptoms during airport screening, health authorities later detected fatigue and mild body ache during follow-up monitoring linked to her travel history.
As a precautionary step, she was shifted to the State-run Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar area for observation and medical evaluation.
Ebola Test Comes Back Negative
Samples collected from the traveller were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for laboratory testing.
Officials confirmed that the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) test result returned negative.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also clarified that no confirmed Ebola case has been reported in India so far.
“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 stated.
Doctors added that the woman remains stable and has not developed additional symptoms.
Repeat Test To Be Conducted
Authorities said a repeat test will be conducted after 48 hours as an added precaution under existing health surveillance protocols.
Bengaluru District Surgeon and Medical Superintendent Anil Kumar said the traveller continues to remain under medical observation because of her recent travel from an Ebola-affected region.
Officials revealed that the woman had initially checked into a hotel after arriving in Bengaluru before being shifted to the hospital for monitoring.
India Strengthens Ebola Preparedness
Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and Congo as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern,” Indian authorities have stepped up surveillance measures nationwide.
The Centre has directed states and Union Territories to strengthen:
- Airport and border screening
- Hospital preparedness
- Isolation and quarantine facilities
- Rapid response systems
- Public health surveillance
