Ebola in India: Nigeria returned Indian suspected with Ebola virus tests negative

The 32-year-old man, who was suspected with Ebola symptoms and was quarantined on arrival from Nigeria on Sunday, has been confirmed negative.

During the screening at international airport, the suspect landed via Dubai, was found to have mild fever, runny nose, body pain and red eyes. Since some of his symptoms were similar to Ebola virus disease, the airport officials took the decision to quarantine him. He was immediately moved to Jogeshwari Trauma Centre of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He was the first passenger to be quarantined at a hospital. Earlier, an Ebola suspect from Vasai had been quarantined at home. (Here's the entire news: Ebola in India: Has the Nigeria returned Indian brought Ebola virus to Mumbai?)

His blood sample was sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, and the test results were awaited. Dr Mangala Gomare, head of the epidemiology department of the BMC, declared Monday that the reports of his Ebola test are negative. She said that the patient did not have fever after he was brought to the hospital but quarantining was a precautionary measure they had to take. He will be discharged soon from the trauma centre soon. (Read more about Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)

What is Ebola?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family. Known to be a condition that is transmitted from animals to humans, this virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. (Read: 5 reasons the ebola virus should never come to India)

How is it transmitted? What are its causes?

According to scientists there are five different types of the virus, all of which have the potential to infect humans. According to the WHO (World Health Organisation) this disease can be transmitted from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In humans the disease can be transmitted by the following methods:

• Coming into contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Healthcare workers may contract the disease through transmission as well through contact with infected bodily fluids.
• Handling the meat from infected animals.
• Contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person who has passed away. (Here are Ebola virus signs and symptoms you need to watch out for!)

Take this 60-second Ebola quiz and save your life!

Photo source: Getty images

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• Ebola in India: Healthcare officers to attend Ebola training programme next month

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