Uganda Woman Isolated in Bengaluru Tests Negative for Ebola

A 28-year-old Ugandan woman , who was earlier placed under isolation in Bengaluru after developing Ebola-like symptoms , has tested negative for Ebola virus disease , health officials confirmed on Tuesday, bringing relief amid heightened global vigilance over outbreaks in Africa.

The woman, who arrived in Bengaluru on May 23 from Uganda , an Ebola-affected country, was initially flagged at the Kempegowda International Airport during routine health screening. Although she did not display clear fever at arrival, authorities noted signs of fatigue and kept her under observation as a precaution.

She was later shifted from a hotel to the Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Bengaluru after developing mild symptoms such as body ache , following which her samples were collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for testing.

Health officials confirmed that the laboratory results have returned negative for Ebola virus disease , effectively ruling out infection. A repeat test was also conducted as part of standard protocol before final confirmation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, prompting enhanced surveillance across countries, including India.

In response, the Karnataka Health Department issued advisories requiring travellers from affected regions to undergo 21-day health monitoring , with instructions to report symptoms immediately. Rapid Response Teams have been deployed across the state to strengthen surveillance and containment readiness.

Officials also clarified that there is no confirmed Ebola case in India , and the isolation was carried out purely as a precautionary public health measure in line with international protocols. The patient continues to remain under observation and is in stable condition , with no deterioration reported.

Authorities added that isolation and testing procedures were part of India’s broader preparedness strategy to ensure early detection and prevent any potential spread of high-risk infectious diseases.