New Delhi: The Government of India on Sunday issued a travel advisory urging Indian citizens residing in or planning to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to exercise heightened caution and strictly follow public health guidelines issued by local authorities amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.
The advisory comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
“In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO recommendations, the Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan until further notice,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.
The ministry clarified that India has not reported any cases of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, which is responsible for the current outbreak.
Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially classified the ongoing outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
On May 22, the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee issued temporary recommendations aimed at strengthening disease surveillance at international points of entry. The recommendations call for enhanced screening measures to identify, assess, report, and manage travelers arriving from areas where the Bundibugyo virus has been detected. The committee also advised against travel to affected regions.
According to health authorities, neighboring countries, including South Sudan, face a high risk of disease transmission due to their proximity to outbreak zones.
Ebola disease is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Ebola virus. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Health experts note that there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for the prevention or treatment of Ebola disease caused by this strain.
The Indian government has urged travelers and residents in the affected countries to remain vigilant, monitor official health advisories, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with the disease.