Karnataka designates isolation centers in Bengaluru, Mangaluru amid Ebola alert

The Karnataka health department has designated specialized isolation, quarantine and treatment facilities at state hospitals in Bengaluru and Mangaluru as part of precautionary measures amid the Ebola alert.

This follows Union Health Ministry guidelines to all states and Union Territories to strengthen surveillance, hospital preparedness and rapid response systems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease (ED) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC).

Isolation centers

In Bengaluru, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases has been identified as the isolation centre, while the Epidemic Diseases Hospital has been designated as the quarantine and treatment facility.

In Mangaluru, the Srinivas Port Hospital under the New Mangalore Port Authority has been identified as the quarantine centre, while the Wenlock District Hospital has been identified as the isolation and treatment centre.

Ambulances

Specialized emergency services are also ready to transport suspected patients to these facilities, the ministry said in a public advisory.

Health officials clarified that no cases of Ebola have been reported in India so far. However, preparedness measures have been strengthened with regard to international travel and trade. The advisory called on the public not to panic unnecessarily and to rely only on official information published by health authorities.

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can cause symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, and red eyes. The disease is spread through direct contact with the blood, organs, or body fluids of infected people, as well as through contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, and syringes.

IDSP supervision

Officials said surveillance and monitoring of suspected cases have been strengthened under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), especially for travelers arriving from affected countries.

Coordination mechanisms have also been strengthened with airports and other Points of Entry (PoEs), while Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) across the state have been kept on alert.

According to the notice, medical personnel are trained in infection prevention and control, sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), medicines and laboratory support systems are provided.

Samples from suspected Ebola cases will be collected and routed through National Institute of Virology (NIV), Bengaluru for confirmatory testing at NIV Pune.

People who have recently traveled to Ebola-affected countries have been advised to undergo self-monitoring and health observation for 21 days after returning to India. Anyone with symptoms suggestive of Ebola has been asked to report to the nearest health facility immediately.

Published – 22 May 2026 23:00 IST