New Delhi, May 24: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), prompting India to issue a precautionary travel advisory for its citizens.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the emergency declaration was made under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, on May 17 following a rise in cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), highlighting growing fears of cross border transmission in the African region.
In response to the evolving health crisis, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on May 22 recommended stronger disease surveillance at international Points of Entry. The committee advised countries to identify and manage travellers arriving with unexplained fever from affected regions and urged people to avoid travel to areas where the Bundibugyo virus has been detected.
Health authorities have identified neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, as being at high risk due to geographical proximity and movement across borders.
Ebola disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The illness is associated with a high fatality rate and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this particular strain.
India has not reported any confirmed case linked to the Bundibugyo strain so far. However, the Centre said it is closely monitoring the international situation and taking preventive measures in line with WHO guidelines.
The Government of India has advised all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice.
Indian nationals currently living in or visiting these countries have been urged to strictly follow local public health instructions, maintain personal hygiene, avoid crowded areas and remain alert to any symptoms related to the disease.
The advisory comes as global health agencies intensify efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further international spread of the deadly virus.