Bhubaneswar: Odisha has intensified its preparedness against Ebola after a woman from Uganda, who recently arrived in Bengaluru, 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 Odisha, the Health and Family Welfare Department has directed AIIMS Bhubaneswar to keep six to eight beds reserved for the isolation and treatment of suspected Ebola patients arriving through Bhubaneswar Airport. A formal communication in this regard has been sent to the institute’s director.

According to the Health Department, early detection, quarantine and isolation are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus. Any suspected Ebola patient identified at the airport would be shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for observation and treatment so that the situation can be handled effectively.

The state government is also preparing contingency plans in case the number of suspected cases rises in the future. Under such circumstances, isolation and treatment facilities may be expanded to other government medical colleges and hospitals across Odisha.

Meanwhile, precautionary measures have already been strengthened at Biju Patnaik International Airport over the last three days. Thermal screening of passengers is being conducted, and travel histories of the past 21 days are being verified.

Airport authorities said strict protocols would be followed if any passenger is found to be showing symptoms or is suspected of exposure to the virus.