Ebola Scare Triggers High Alert in Ahmedabad as Gujarat Reports First Suspected Case

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A wave of concern has gripped Gujarat’s health administration after a suspected Ebola case was reported in the state, prompting the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to activate emergency preparedness measures, including isolation wards, airport screening, and strict monitoring of international travellers arriving from high-risk African nations.

According to health officials, a person from Vadodara with suspected symptoms has been admitted to Ahmedabad for observation, while authorities have placed 11 travellers from Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo under mandatory home isolation as a precautionary step.

AMC Health Department Officer Dr. Bhavin Solanki confirmed that no positive Ebola cases have been detected so far, but surveillance has been significantly strengthened. “We are fully aligned with state and central health guidelines. Screening at the airport has been intensified, and all travellers from identified countries are being monitored closely,” he said.

Officials said none of the 11 individuals currently under home isolation show any symptoms of Ebola infection, nor have they been in contact with confirmed positive cases. Most of them are residents of western Ahmedabad, including areas like Thaltej and Jodhpur.

A dedicated 60-bed isolation ward has been set up at SVP Hospital to manage any potential escalation. Health authorities have also issued strict protocols for handling suspected cases, ensuring immediate quarantine or hospital admission based on symptom severity and exposure history.

“If a traveller shows symptoms or has been in contact with a positive case, they will be admitted to Civil Hospital as a suspected patient. So far, we have not recorded any confirmed positive case in Gujarat,” Dr. Solanki added.

In response to the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declared globally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Civil Aviation have made the Self Declaration Form (SDF) mandatory for all international passengers arriving in India.

Authorities have also deployed frontline health workers at airports round the clock to ensure strict compliance with infection prevention protocols. In-flight announcements regarding health measures and mandatory declaration forms are being implemented before landing to reduce congestion and transmission risk.

Health officials emphasized that all stakeholders, including airlines, airport staff, and medical teams, must follow standard operating procedures without exception. “There can be no compromise on safety. Every precaution is being taken to prevent any possible spread,” an official said.