Suspected Ebola Case Reported in Gujarat
A suspected case of Ebola has emerged in Gujarat after a 37-year-old businessman from the Republic of Congo was placed under quarantine at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The man, identified as Amuri Lokula, arrived in India approximately 10 days ago and traveled to Mumbai, Vadodara, and the Silvassa/Daman region during this period. Hospital authorities confirmed that he has been experiencing fever for several days, prompting medical officials to treat him as a suspected Ebola case and collect samples for laboratory confirmation.
Samples Sent for Testing
Samples from the patient have been dispatched to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, with results anticipated within 24 to 48 hours. Meanwhile, three individuals who came into contact with the patient have been traced and placed in isolation at separate facilities as a precautionary measure.
Health Minister's Statement
Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya stated that no confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in the state so far, even as quarantine protocols have been initiated. Providing further details, Pansheriya said, “A businessman named Amuri Lokula arrived in India about five to seven days ago. He came to Mumbai and then to Vadodara. He experienced a fever and was admitted to Banker Hospital in Vadodara. Our health department was informed about the case, and he has been admitted to the special Ebola ward created at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.”
Pansheriya added that Lokula was accompanied by two other individuals — Patrick Kaja and Valentine Zodel — both of whom have been admitted to a special ward at SVP Hospital. “One Dr. Sunil Musana, who had come in contact with Lokula for business reasons, has also been quarantined,” the health minister noted.
Patient's Travel History
According to information from the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, the patient arrived in Mumbai from Congo approximately 10 days ago, stayed in Mumbai for 5 days, and then spent about 4 days in the Silvassa/Daman area. On May 22, 2026, the patient arrived in Vadodara. He was admitted to a private hospital in Vadodara on May 26, 2026. The patient has been experiencing fever for about six days, and his symptoms resemble those of Ebola. Therefore, he has been admitted to the Civil Hospital today, where he is being observed as a suspected case of infectious/viral hemorrhagic fever.
Contact Tracing and Isolation
The Civil Hospital reported that tracing of individuals who came into contact with the patient has been conducted. Dr. Sunil Musana (professional contact), Patrick Kaja, and Valentin Zodal have been identified as contacts and placed in isolation. Information regarding the patient’s technical visit to India is being gathered, including his stay at the Express Hotel in Vadodara on May 25, 2026. No fever-related information has emerged among the contacts. Additionally, the process of tracing other individuals who came into contact with the patient has been initiated. Coordination between the Vadodara Municipal Corporation and the Health Department is being established to trace further contacts.
Medical Observations
Sources from the Civil Hospital indicate that there are some concerning aspects in this patient’s case. The patient recently traveled from Congo to India. He has a history of fever, and an increase in liver enzymes has been observed. Given the need for contact surveillance, the patient is undergoing laboratory tests. Until final confirmation regarding Ebola, the suspected imported infectious disease case is being managed with strict protocols.
Airport Screening and Preparedness
With Ebola cases being reported in parts of Africa, including Uganda, screening of passengers arriving from Uganda and other African countries is being conducted at Ahmedabad airport, officials said. A new ward for suspected Ebola patients has been set up at the Civil Hospital with arrangements for more than 30 beds to handle any potential cases.
