Odisha Intensifies Ebola Preparedness, AIIMS Bhubaneswar Asked To Reserve Isolation Beds

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up precautionary measures against Ebola after a woman from Uganda, who recently arrived in Bengaluru, reportedly showed symptoms associated with the deadly virus and was placed under isolation. Her samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for confirmation.

In view of the situation, the state Health and Family Welfare Department has directed AIIMS Bhubaneswar to reserve six to eight beds for isolation and treatment of suspected Ebola patients arriving through Biju Patnaik International Airport. A formal communication has been issued to the institute’s director in this regard.

Health Department officials said early detection, quarantine, and isolation remain critical to preventing the spread of the virus. Any suspected Ebola patient detected at the airport will be shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for observation and treatment to ensure effective handling of the situation.

The state government is also preparing contingency plans in case the number of suspected cases increases in the coming days. Officials said isolation and treatment facilities could be expanded to other government medical colleges and hospitals across Odisha if required.

Meanwhile, precautionary measures have been strengthened at Biju Patnaik International Airport over the past three days. Thermal screening of passengers is being carried out, while authorities are also verifying the travel history of passengers for the last 21 days.

Airport officials said strict health protocols would be followed if any passenger is found symptomatic or suspected to have been exposed to the virus.