A woman, who recently returned from Uganda, sparked an Ebola infection scare in India. She was quarantined ⁠at a Bengaluru hospital ⁠after ‌she displayed Ebola-like symptoms, news agency Reuters reports. Her samples were collected for Ebola testing and were sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing.The Indian government layer clarified that the woman's test has turned out to be negative, which came as a huge relief for health officials amid a global alert over the viral disease.ALSO READ: Eid Mubarak 2026: Top 10 ChatGPT, Gemini prompts for Bakrid and Eid Al Adha posters, templates, images and moreSince the woman recently travelled from an Ebola-affected region and later developed mild symptoms like body ache, concerns have been raised in country whether Ebola virus has come to India too. Following the alert, the Karnataka health department on Friday issued an advisory directing travellers returning from Ebola-affected countries to monitor their health and remain under observation for 21 days after arrival. The department said anyone showing symptoms must immediately visit the nearest health facility, while Rapid Response Teams would conduct surveillance and contact tracing whenever necessary.ALSO READ: RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 yesterday match resultIs Ebola virus spreading in India?As of now, there is no threat of Ebola virus in the country. The Indian government is closely monitoring the Ebola situation in view of the recent outbreaks in parts of Africa, but no confirmed cases have been reported in the country yet, sources told The Economic Times.The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is maintaining close surveillance and all necessary public health protocols are being followed in accordance with WHO guidelines.What is Ebola?Ebola is a rare but deadly disease caused by a virus. Ebola viruses normally infect animals, typically fruit bats, but outbreaks among humans can sometimes start when people eat or handle infected animals.The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Why is Ebola 2026 outbreak worrying?The outbreak was caused by a new Ebola virus strain, known as the Bundibugyo species and there is no vaccine or specific treatment for this strain so far. However, Russia on Wednesday claimed that it has made a breakthrough in vaccines.The 2026 Ebola outbreak is suspected to have claimed more than 220 lives so far, with at least 11 confirmed deaths with the WHO warning that this outbreak is threatening to spiral out of control.Ebola signs and symptomsIt takes two to 21 days for symptoms to appear. They come on suddenly and start like the flu or malaria, with fever, headache and tiredness, according to BBC. You should watch out for these ebola symptoms:Sudden feverExtreme fatigue and weaknessMalaise (general discomfort)Muscle painHeadacheSore throatVomitingDiarrhoeaAbdominal painSkin rashKidney and liver function problemsBleeding Symptoms (May appear later)Blood in vomit or stoolBleeding from nose, gums, or vaginaBleeding from needle puncture sitesInternal and external bleeding in severe casesNervous System SymptomsConfusionIrritabilityAggressive behaviourImportant NoteBleeding is not always an early or common symptom of EbolaHealth workers and caregivers have been advised to closely monitor these warning signsHow to prevent yourself from Ebola?Maintain Proper Hand HygieneWash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of Ebola infection.Avoid Contact With Body FluidsDo not come into direct contact with blood, saliva, vomit, urine, sweat, or other body fluids of a person infected with Ebola.Stay Away From Contaminated ItemsAvoid touching clothes, bedding, towels, needles, or personal items that may have been exposed to the Ebola virus.Avoid Close Contact With Infected PeopleKeep distance from people showing Ebola symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or bleeding.Follow Safe Burial PracticesAvoid direct contact with bodies of Ebola victims during funerals or burial rituals, as the virus can still spread after death.Avoid Wild Animals and BushmeatDo not handle or consume bats, monkeys, chimpanzees, or other wild animals in Ebola-affected regions.Use Protective EquipmentHealthcare workers and caregivers should wear gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection while treating Ebola patients.Practice Safe SexRecovered Ebola patients may still carry the virus in bodily fluids for some time, so safe sexual practices are important.Follow Ebola Travel AdvisoriesAvoid unnecessary travel to Ebola outbreak zones and follow official health guidelines while travelling.Seek Medical Help ImmediatelyIf you develop Ebola symptoms after possible exposure, immediately isolate yourself and contact a healthcare facility for testing and treatment.