Ebola Scare In India: Businessman Who Travelled From Congo, 3 Others Sent To Isolation Wards In Gujarat

Vadodara: A 37-year-old businessman who arrived from Congo to Mumbai and later travelled to Gujarat has been admitted into an isolation ward in Ahmedabad and his samples have been sent for Ebola virus testing. Three other people who came into contact with him have also been isolated.

The businessman has been identified as Amuri Lokula, who stayed in Mumbai for five days after landing in India from Congo. Thereafter he went to Silvassa and Daman, before finally reaching Vadodara.

Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya stated that after the businessman developed a fever, he was admitted to Banker Hospital in Vadodara. The state minister assured the public that there is no need to panic since it has not been confirmed if the man is infected with Ebola virus.

Lokula is presently under observation, as his test results are awaited.

Earlier, a woman from Uganda was quarantined in Bengaluru over suspicion of Ebola infection. The 28-year-old had arrived in Bengaluru from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, after travelling from Uganda. She has reportedly tested negative for Ebola.

​Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said India has launched screening and surveillance measures at airports and other entry points, while issuing advisories ​on screening, quarantine, ​and other ⁠measures. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units and Airport Health Organizations have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance for unexplained febrile illness among international travellers and ensure prompt reporting and management of any suspected case.

Meetings have also been held with States/UTs and concerned stakeholders to review preparedness and response measures. JP Nadda has also directed the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to keep all necessary arrangements for tracking, testing, and surveillance in a constant state of readiness.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.