Pune: Isolation Ward Set Up at Naidu Hospital Amid Ebola Alert, Screening Tightened at Airport

Pune, 2nd June 2026: Health authorities in Pune have stepped up preparedness measures following outbreaks of the Ebola virus in the African countries of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, prompting global health agencies to remain on high alert.

In response to the situation, the Central Government has directed all states to implement precautionary measures, while the Maharashtra government has issued special guidelines for cities with international airports, including Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur.

Although no Ebola case has been detected in Pune so far, health authorities have intensified surveillance and preparedness efforts to tackle any potential threat. An isolation ward has been set up at Naidu Hospital, Pune Municipal Corporation’s specialised facility for infectious diseases, to handle suspected cases. Hospital sources said adequate stocks of medicines, medical equipment and trained healthcare personnel have been arranged to respond to any emergency.

Screening of international passengers arriving at Pune Airport has been underway since May 18. Authorities are closely monitoring travellers, particularly those arriving from Ebola-affected countries or regions. Their travel history, health status and any symptoms associated with the disease are being examined.

Officials said no passenger has so far exhibited symptoms commonly associated with Ebola, including fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding. However, as a precautionary measure, one traveller was admitted to the isolation ward at Naidu Hospital for observation. Subsequent laboratory tests returned negative for Ebola infection, according to officials from the state’s disease surveillance and epidemic control department.

Health authorities have urged citizens not to panic, while assuring that surveillance and response mechanisms remain in place to detect and contain any potential case at the earliest stage.