The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, amid concerns over the ongoing outbreak of the deadly virus.
In an official statement, the ministry said the World Health Organization (WHO), under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, had on May 17, 2026, classified the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The advisory comes as health authorities across the world closely monitor the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of Africa.
WHO And Africa CDC Express Concern Over Outbreak
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), highlighting growing concerns over regional transmission.
According to WHO data released on May 21, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 746 suspected Ebola cases and 176 deaths among suspected cases.
The WHO further stated that 85 confirmed Ebola cases, including two in Uganda, and ten confirmed deaths, including one in Uganda, have been recorded across the two countries.
Health agencies have identified neighbouring countries bordering the DRC and Uganda, including South Sudan, as high-risk regions for possible transmission of the virus.
India Issues Precautionary Measures
The WHO International Health Regulation Emergency Committee on May 22 recommended stronger disease surveillance at international points of entry to identify travellers arriving with unexplained fever or symptoms from affected regions.
The committee also advised against travel to areas where the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has been detected.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified that no case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain has been reported in India so far.
However, Indian citizens currently residing in or travelling to the affected African nations have been urged to strictly follow local public health guidelines, maintain hygiene precautions and remain alert for symptoms associated with the disease.
Increased Vigilance At Entry Points
Health authorities are expected to strengthen surveillance and screening measures at airports and other international entry points as part of precautionary preparedness against any potential spread of the infection.
Officials said India remains closely coordinated with global health agencies and continues to monitor developments related to the outbreak.
The Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces or infected animals. Symptoms commonly include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and internal bleeding in severe cases.
