Passenger Arrived on Medical Visa, Samples Sent for Testing
A 35-year-old Sudanese national has been admitted to Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad and placed in isolation after being suspected of having an Ebola virus infection. The passenger arrived in the city on a medical visa for knee surgery and was identified during routine health screening at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).
According to airport health officials, the passenger was detected with a body temperature of 100°F during thermal screening shortly after arriving at the airport around midnight. Considering his travel history and the presence of fever, authorities classified the case as a suspected Ebola infection and immediately shifted him to Gandhi Hospital for further evaluation.
Health Authorities Begin Contact Tracing
Officials from the Airport Public Health Office (APHO) stated that although the passenger has not reported any known contact with an Ebola patient, precautionary measures have been initiated. Fellow travellers who may have come into contact with him have been identified and advised to monitor themselves for symptoms while health authorities continue their investigation.
Doctors Say No Major Ebola Symptoms Detected
Medical experts at Gandhi Hospital noted that the patient is not displaying several of the hallmark symptoms commonly associated with Ebola virus disease. According to doctors, he has not experienced vomiting, bleeding, abdominal pain, or other severe symptoms often linked to the infection.
Dr. Vamshee Krishna, nodal officer for the hospital’s isolation ward, stated that the patient only reported having a fever for the past four days. He added that the patient’s temperature was found to be normal when he arrived at the hospital at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Samples Sent to CCMB for Confirmation
As per established health protocols, doctors collected blood, urine, and swab samples from the patient and sent them to the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) for laboratory testing.
Hospital Superintendent Dr. N. Vani said that test results are expected within the next two days. If the reports return negative, the patient may be advised to remain under home isolation and medical monitoring. However, if the tests confirm Ebola infection, further treatment and containment measures will be implemented in accordance with public health guidelines.
Vigilance Measures Intensified Amid Global Ebola Concerns
The incident has prompted heightened vigilance among health authorities in Hyderabad, with airport screening and surveillance measures being closely monitored. Officials have emphasized that the case remains a suspected infection and that confirmation will depend on laboratory test results.
The development comes as global health agencies continue to monitor Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, prompting countries to strengthen screening and preparedness measures at international entry points.
