The Indian government has issued a fresh travel advisory asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan following a growing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa.
The advisory comes after the World Health Organization officially classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
India Issues Precautionary Advisory
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Indian citizens should avoid all non-essential travel to affected countries until further notice.
The ministry stated that Indian nationals currently residing in these countries should strictly follow local public health guidelines and maintain heightened safety precautions.
The move follows WHO recommendations aimed at controlling the international spread of the virus.
WHO Declares Ebola Emergency
The WHO announced on May 17 that the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain had become a global public health concern under International Health Regulations.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
Health authorities have urged countries to strengthen surveillance at airports and border checkpoints to detect travellers showing symptoms such as unexplained fever.
Ebola Cases and Death Toll Rise
According to WHO data released on May 21:
- 746 suspected Ebola cases have been reported in Congo
- 176 deaths among suspected cases have been recorded
- 85 confirmed cases have been identified across Congo and Uganda
- 10 confirmed deaths have been reported, including one in Uganda
Health experts warn that neighbouring countries, especially South Sudan, remain at high risk due to cross-border movement and regional connectivity.
What Is the Bundibugyo Ebola Strain?
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which causes a severe viral haemorrhagic fever.
The disease is known for:
- High fever
- Severe weakness
- Internal and external bleeding in severe cases
- High fatality rates
Authorities have also highlighted that there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo strain.
India Says No Ebola Cases Reported
The Indian government clarified that no Ebola cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain have been reported in India so far.
However, officials are continuing enhanced monitoring and surveillance at international entry points amid global concern over the outbreak.
Several airports in India have already intensified screening procedures for passengers arriving from affected African regions.
Global Health Agencies on Alert
The WHO has advised countries worldwide to:
- Increase disease surveillance
- Screen travellers from affected regions
- Improve public awareness
- Prepare emergency medical response systems
The advisory reflects growing global concern about preventing another large-scale cross-border health crisis.
