Health experts urge vigilance over suspected Ebola case in India

May 27 (Daily Mirror) - Health experts have urged the public to remain vigilant following reports of a suspected Ebola case in India, while stressing that Sri Lanka currently faces a low risk of transmission.

Speaking on the situation, Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that as of May 24, 2026, India has not confirmed any Ebola cases. However, a 28-year-old woman who returned from Uganda to Bangalore has been quarantined after showing suspected symptoms, with test results still pending.

Indian authorities have meanwhile stepped up precautionary measures, including strict screening at airports and seaports. The Indian government has also advised against non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, while the India-Africa Summit scheduled for May 28 to 31 has reportedly been postponed.

Dr. Sanjeewa said the Indian Ministry of Health had reviewed preparedness measures with all states and distributed standard operating procedures to strengthen response mechanisms.

Commenting on the possible impact on Sri Lanka, he noted that no direct transmission has been reported in the country so far.

However, he warned that the presence of frequent air travel links between Africa, India and Sri Lanka could increase the risk of an imported case.

“Since there are many flights operating between India and Sri Lanka, the reporting of suspected cases in India slightly raises the level of concern for Sri Lanka as well,” he said.

According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the World Health Organization has categorized countries surrounding Congo and Uganda as being at “high risk.”

He said Sri Lankan authorities have already tightened thermal screening at airports, strengthened self-declaration procedures and increased monitoring by health officials.

The Health Ministry announced on May 21 that no Ebola cases had been detected in Sri Lanka and maintained that the overall risk remains low.

Awareness campaigns and public health advice on hygiene practices have also been intensified.

Dr. Sanjeewa noted that the situation could also have indirect effects on travel, trade and tourism, particularly following the postponement of international events such as the India-Africa Summit.

He added that Sri Lanka’s healthcare system and quarantine facilities have been significantly strengthened following the Covid-19 pandemic, improving the country’s preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.

Summing up the situation, he said India is currently investigating one suspected case while maintaining strict screening and travel restrictions, whereas Sri Lanka remains free of reported cases but has enhanced airport surveillance as a precaution.

“The main risk remains an imported case arriving either directly from Africa or through India. Since Ebola is not an airborne disease, the risk of large-scale community transmission remains low,” Dr. Sanjeewa said.

He further advised the public to stay informed through the latest guidance issued by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and to be aware of Ebola symptoms and preventive measures.