A second Sudanese national arriving in Hyderabad from Uganda was admitted to the Ebola isolation ward at Gandhi Hospital in the early hours of Friday, increasing the number of individuals currently under observation to two. The 23-year-old traveller arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) and was initially placed under quarantine as part of yellow fever surveillance protocols, according to the Airport Public Health Officer (APHO).
Patient Develops Fever During Quarantine
The traveller developed a fever during the quarantine period and was subsequently shifted to Gandhi Hospital for isolation and further evaluation. This precautionary measure was taken due to his recent travel history from Uganda, a country classified as high-risk under Ebola surveillance. Gandhi Hospital Superintendent Dr N Vani clarified that the patient has not been officially classified as an Ebola suspect. She stated that the transfer was a precautionary measure for observation and testing. The patient's attendant was also initially admitted to the isolation ward but was later discharged after being found stable.
Testing and Results Timeline
Dr Vamshee Krishna, nodal officer for Gandhi Hospital's isolation ward, confirmed that oral and nasal swab samples have been collected and sent to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) for testing. Results are expected within 48 hours. If the reports are negative and the patient remains clinically stable, he may be discharged and advised home quarantine, officials said.
Previous Admission and Current Status
This latest admission comes a day after another Sudanese national travelling to Hyderabad for medical treatment was admitted to Gandhi Hospital after being flagged during thermal screening at RGIA with a temperature of 100°F. Both individuals are reported to be clinically stable. Gandhi Hospital has been designated as Telangana's nodal centre for Ebola preparedness and has established a dedicated facility comprising 10 isolated rooms with attached bathrooms and 15 quarantine beds.
Enhanced Screening at Airport
Enhanced screening and thermal scanning of passengers arriving from African countries, including Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan, are currently underway at RGIA. Earlier this week, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha stated that 58 travellers from Ebola-affected countries had arrived in Hyderabad. None showed symptoms of the disease, and all were placed under Category-I surveillance and advised 21-day home isolation as a precautionary measure.
The situation remains under control, with health authorities closely monitoring the individuals under observation. The prompt response and adherence to protocols underscore the preparedness of Hyderabad's healthcare system to handle potential health threats.
