Sudanese national with fever isolated at Gandhi Hospital amid Ebola scare
Hyderabad- A 35-year-old Sudanese national was admitted to Gandhi Hospital on Thursday and placed in isolation after being suspected of having an Ebola virus infection.
The case came to light when the patient travelled to Hyderabad on a medical visa for knee surgery and was identified during health screening at the city's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).
After thermal screening at the airport, which recorded a temperature of 100°F, he was immediately admitted to the Gandhi Hospital for further examination.
Speaking to TOI, the Airport Public Health Officer (APHO) stated that the passenger arrived at RGIA at midnight. Given his travel history and fever, it is suspected that he might be infected with the Ebola virus; however, he has not reported any contact with an Ebola patient.
The APHO also stated that fellow travellers have been identified and asked to monitor for symptoms, while health officials investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, doctors at Gandhi Hospital stated that the passenger did not exhibit common symptoms associated with Ebola, such as vomiting, bleeding, or abdominal pain. He only complained of having a fever for the past four days.
“However, his temperature was normal when it was checked after he arrived at the hospital around 3.30 am on Thursday,” said Dr Vamshee Krishna, nodal officer for Gandhi Hospital’s isolation ward.
Additionally, under the protocol, blood, urine, and swab samples have been collected and sent to the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) for testing.
“The reports are expected within two days. If the test is negative, he may be advised to undergo home isolation and monitoring. If the result is positive, further treatment protocols will be followed,” said Dr N Vani, superintendent, Gandhi Hospital.
