No Ebola case reported in India so far: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare announced that no case of the Ebola virus has been reported in India so far and is closely monitoring the situation.

“The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is closely monitoring the evolving Ebola virus disease situation in view of recent outbreaks reported in parts of Africa,” the statement read.

Referring to an individual who travelled to Uganda, he/she was quarantined as he/she had reported some symptoms that pertain to the infection. A sample was collected for testing, and the results came as negative.

“Exercising abundant caution, one individual with recent travel history from Uganda, who reported mild symptoms of body ache, was placed under isolation at the State-run Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Bengaluru for observation and further evaluation,” the statement said. “A sample was collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology for laboratory testing. The test result has returned negative for Ebola Virus Disease,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry said that the individual remained otherwise healthy apart from mild body ache.

The Health Ministry is in coordination with the concerned state authorities, to maintain close surveillance and all necessary public health protocols are being followed in accordance with WHO guidelines.

The Ministry also that the Centre advices people not to panic and refer to official sources for information. “The Government remains vigilant and prepared, with screening and surveillance measures continuing at all designated Points of Entry and across the public health system. Citizens are advised not to panic, avoid spreading misinformation, and rely only on official sources for information,” the statement noted.

Advisory for Indian citizens 

In a statement, the Indian government said the WHO, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, classified the outbreak as a global health emergency on May 17. 

“In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO recommendations, the Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice,” the statement said. 

Indian nationals currently residing in or travelling to these countries have been advised to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions.