Uganda woman isolated in Bengaluru for Ebola tests negative

A woman from Uganda, who was recently quarantined at the Bengaluru Airport with suspected Ebola infection, tests negative. As per reports, she had reached Bengaluru airport on May 23, and was isolated at the Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Indiranagar. The 28-year-old had mild body pain but was otherwise healthy, reports said.

She was asked to undergo testing after airport officials noticed the signs of fatigue. She underwent a few tests, and samples were collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

The woman had first reached Ahmedabad from Uganda before proceeding to Bengaluru. Certain reports also claim that the woman had checked into a hotel after arriving from Uganda and that she was shifted to the hospital after developing body pain. 

A few days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared Ebola a public health emergency of international concern, India had launched surveillance measures at various airports and entry points, including Delhi and Kochi airports. Advisories have also been issued on the screening and quarantine measures for the disease. The citizens are also urged to avoid non-essential travel to countries hit by the virus - Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

The fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) was supposed to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31. However, it has also been postponed due to health concerns. The new dates have not been announced. 

Ebola vaccine: Russia announces breakthrough
Russia says it is developing a vaccine for the Bundibugyo virus strain, for which no vaccine currently exists. 

Does Ebola spread through air?
No
Can a person recover from Ebola?
Yes. However, different Ebola types have different survival rates. The Bundibugyo strain is deadly in about 3 in 10 cases.