Two individuals have been hospitalised in Milan with suspected Ebola after returning from Uganda, Italian health authorities have confirmed. A 31-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman developed symptoms including high fever, nausea, vomiting, and mild neurological issues within 24 hours of their arrival in Italy.
The patients, who had spent three months working in humanitarian aid in Uganda, have been transferred to Sacco Hospital in Milan. The woman may require intensive care. Both travelled with their families, but it remains unclear if any family members are symptomatic.
Guido Bertolaso, Lombardy's regional welfare minister, stated that seven Italian citizens from two families returned from an area near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. He described them as volunteers who went to help people in difficult conditions.
The region is under close watch due to a surge in Ebola cases. Since May 15, nearly 1,000 suspected cases have been recorded, with around 220 deaths. The NHS advises travellers to check Ebola risks and seek travel clinic advice four to six weeks before departure.
Symptoms of Ebola, which can appear 2 to 21 days after infection, include high temperature, extreme tiredness, and headache. The NHS urges anyone who has travelled to an affected area or been in contact with a traveller to call 111 immediately.
