India has issued a travel advisory asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan amid growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. The advisory comes after the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
According to reports of Hindustan Times, the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available.
Which countries are affected?
The health ministry said in a statement, said, "In light of the reported outbreaks of Ebola Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO), under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, on May 17, 2026, determined the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)."
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Reports added that India has not recorded any Ebola case linked to the current Bundibugyo strain so far.
Why has WHO declared an emergency?
The World Health Organisation recently classified the outbreak as a global health emergency after cases were confirmed in both Congo and Uganda. Health experts raised concerns over rapid transmission, healthcare challenges, and the absence of approved vaccines for the current strain. According to WHO data, hundreds of suspected cases and multiple deaths have already been reported in affected regions.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, body pain, and, in severe cases, internal or external bleeding.
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Health authorities worldwide are currently increasing surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent international spread.
India monitoring the situation
Reports of Hindustan Times stated that Indian authorities are closely monitoring the outbreak situation and have increased health surveillance measures for travellers arriving from affected countries. The advisory also urged travellers to immediately report symptoms such as fever or weakness if they recently visited outbreak-hit regions.
India has also dispatched emergency medical assistance to Africa CDC as part of international support efforts.
