New Delhi: Health authorities in Gujarat have isolated a businessman from Democratic Republic of the Congo along with three individuals who came into contact with him after he developed fever symptoms, prompting precautionary Ebola virus testing.
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the 37 year old businessman arrived in Mumbai from Congo around five to seven days ago before travelling to Vadodara. After developing a fever, he was admitted to a private hospital in Vadodara and later shifted to the Ebola isolation ward at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for further monitoring and treatment.
According to the minister, the patient is currently stable, his temperature is under control and there has been no confirmation of Ebola infection so far. He stressed that there is no reason for public panic at this stage.
Two individuals who had travelled with the businessman have also been placed in isolation wards at SVP Hospital as a precautionary measure. Another individual who reportedly came into contact with them has also been isolated for observation.
Officials said all four individuals will remain under observation for approximately 10 to 11 days while their blood samples have been sent to Pune for laboratory testing.
The precautionary measures come amid ongoing Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Africa. The World Health Organization had recently declared the Ebola outbreaks in Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
In response, the Gujarat Health Department has intensified screening procedures at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for passengers arriving from affected African countries including Uganda, Congo and South Sudan. Isolation facilities have also been prepared in government hospitals across the state.
The minister noted that a similar suspected case had earlier tested negative and urged citizens not to spread rumours. He emphasised that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in either Gujarat or India and said authorities are closely monitoring international travellers showing symptoms such as fever, cough or cold to prevent any possible spread of infection.
