New Delhi: The 35-year-old man from Jodhpur who died in AIIMS on Wednesday evoking fears that he had contracted Ebola, has tested negative for the deadly virus, Union Health Ministry said today.
"The clinical samples of the patient who died today has tested negative for Ebola Virus Disease as per the tests conducted at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCFC).
The patient was referred to AIIMS by a private hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and was admitted yesterday with symptoms of high-grade fever and vomiting.
He died today morning due to excessive internal bleeding and doctors at AIIMS suspected that the victim was suffering from Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a disease caused by a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus).
According to a statement issued by Health Ministry, two of hospital functionaries working in a private hospital in Jodhpur had developed thrombocytopenia (fall in blood platelet count) and showed hemorrhagic manifestations.
"One person died at this (Jodhpur hospital)on January 18 while the other person was air lifted to AIIMS, Delhi who died today. Samples have been sent from these patients to National Institute of Virology, Pune for testing," confirmed a Union Health Ministry official.
The Chief Medical Officer of Jodhpur District has informed the State Health Authorities of Jaipur in Rajasthan regarding reporting of high grade fever in five hospital functionaries (including two deceaseds) working in a private hospital there.
They have no travel history to Ebola affected countries.
The health authorities of Gujarat and Rajasthan have been alerted for a possible diagnosis of CCHF and the guidelines have been shared with these states.
CCHF is an infection spread by animals and people who work closely with animals and has symptoms similar to Ebola and dengue like high temperature, headache, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, convulsions and external and internal bleeding.
A three-member team of experts from NCDC, Delhi is visiting Jodhpur for outbreak investigation and providing public health support to the State health authorities, said the Ministry statement.
