Karnataka Health Department on Alert After Woman From Ebola-Affected Region Develops Mild Symptoms
Bengaluru witnessed an Ebola-related health scare after a 28-year-old woman from Uganda, who recently arrived from an Ebola-affected region, was shifted to the state-run Epidemic Diseases Hospital on Tuesday after developing mild symptoms, according to health department officials.
Officials said the woman initially reported body ache and related symptoms while staying at a hotel in the city. As a precautionary measure, she was immediately moved to the designated treatment facility for further observation and isolation.
The health department confirmed that her samples have been collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for Ebola testing. Authorities added that a repeat test will also be conducted as per standard protocol.
Woman Stable, Under Close Monitoring
Health officials stated that the woman’s condition is currently stable and she remains under continuous medical supervision.
“Since she had recently travelled from an Ebola-affected region and later developed mild symptoms like body ache, she was shifted to the Epidemic Diseases Hospital as a precautionary measure,” a senior health department official said.
The case has triggered heightened surveillance measures in Karnataka amid global concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
WHO Declared Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC) on May 17.
Following the WHO alert, the Karnataka Health Department intensified monitoring measures for international travellers arriving from affected African nations.
Karnataka Issues 21-Day Monitoring Advisory for Travellers
Last week, the Karnataka Health Department advised individuals returning from Ebola-affected countries to undergo self-monitoring and health observation for 21 days after arrival.
Authorities instructed travellers developing symptoms such as fever, body ache, weakness, vomiting, or bleeding tendencies to immediately visit the nearest healthcare facility.
Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have also been activated to conduct surveillance and contact tracing activities wherever necessary.
Isolation and Quarantine Centres Identified Across Karnataka
The state government has identified dedicated hospitals for Ebola preparedness and emergency response.
In Bengaluru, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD) has been designated as the isolation centre, while the Epidemic Diseases Hospital will function as the quarantine and treatment facility.
In Mangaluru, Srinivas Port Hospital under the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has been designated as the quarantine centre, while Wenlock District Hospital will serve as the isolation and treatment facility.
Health authorities have urged the public not to panic and assured that all precautionary measures are being followed strictly.
