Uganda-returned woman, isolated in Bengaluru, tests negative for Ebola

India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare confirmed that a 28-year-old woman, recently returned from Uganda and isolated in Bengaluru due to suspected Ebola symptoms, tested negative for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune conducted the tests, and officials reported no severe symptoms during her observation period. The woman, who experienced mild symptoms like body ache, was admitted to the state-run Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Bengaluru as a precautionary measure. The government has not detected any EVD cases in India, despite heightened global concerns following the World Health Organization’s declaration of the outbreak in Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also classified it as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). Over 220 suspected deaths have been reported in the affected regions. Union Health Minister JP Nadda directed authorities to maintain robust screening at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings during a high-level meeting. He emphasized the need for vigilance in tracking, testing, and surveillance, instructing the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to remain on high alert. The Union Health Secretary subsequently chaired a joint review meeting with multiple ministries to strengthen coordination. India had previously advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to the outbreak. The government continues to review the situation while ensuring hospitals and surveillance systems are prepared for potential cases. Authorities remain fully vigilant despite the negative test result, prioritizing public health safety.