According to reports published on May 27 by the Daily Mirror, health experts have urged the public to remain vigilant after a suspected case was identified in India. Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa stated 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 placed under quarantine after exhibiting suspected symptoms, with laboratory test results still pending.
Indian authorities have intensified precautionary measures, including strict screening protocols at airports and seaports. The Government of India has also advised against non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. In addition, the India-Africa Summit scheduled for May 28 to May 31 has reportedly been postponed.
The Ministry of Health in India has conducted a nationwide review of preparedness measures with all states and issued standard operating procedures to strengthen response mechanisms against potential infectious disease threats.
In Sri Lanka, health officials have confirmed that no direct transmission of Ebola has been reported to date. However, experts have warned that frequent air travel connections between Africa, India, and Sri Lanka could increase the likelihood of an imported case.
Dr. Sanjeewa noted that the World Health Organization has categorized countries surrounding Congo and Uganda as high-risk zones. He further stated that Sri Lankan authorities have strengthened thermal screening at airports, reinforced self-declaration procedures, and increased monitoring by health officials as precautionary measures.
The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka confirmed on May 21 that no Ebola cases had been detected in the country and reiterated that the overall risk remains low. Public awareness campaigns and hygiene-related advisories have also been intensified nationwide.
Officials also warned that the evolving situation could have indirect consequences on travel, trade, and tourism, particularly following the postponement of major international events such as the India-Africa Summit.
Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure and quarantine systems, strengthened significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic, have been cited as key factors improving preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.
Authorities emphasized that India is currently investigating one suspected case while maintaining enhanced screening and travel restrictions. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, remains free of reported cases but continues to strengthen airport surveillance as a preventive measure.
Experts reiterated that the primary risk lies in an imported case arriving either directly from Africa or via India. They also noted that Ebola is not an airborne disease, and therefore the risk of large-scale community transmission remains low. The public has been advised to stay informed through official health advisories and remain aware of Ebola symptoms and preventive measures.
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