Ebola virus infection is increasing rapidly in Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 900 suspected cases have been reported so far, while 223 people are feared dead. The highest number of cases have been found in Congo, where 112 infected and 11 patients have been confirmed dead due to Ebola. Apart from this, the infection is also spreading in neighboring Uganda, where so far 8 patients and one death due to infection have been confirmed. WHO Chief Ted Ross has said that health agencies are working fast, but the situation is challenging due to the rapid infection.
This time the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is spreading. This is a rare type of Ebola. There is currently no specific vaccine or fixed treatment for this. For this reason it is considered more difficult to stop. This virus was first found in Bundibugyo area of Uganda in 2007. According to WHO, the death rate in this strain can be 30% to 50%.
Where did the infection start?
This infection was first detected in Ituri province of Congo in May 2026. This area has been affected by violence and conflict for a long time. A large number of displaced people and laborers working in gold mines live here. WHO says that the virus is spreading rapidly due to the constant movement of people. Now this infection has reached North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Parts of South Kivu are controlled by the M23 rebel organization.
Patients fleeing hospitals in Congo
Amidst the fight against Ebola, hospitals and health centers are also being attacked in Congo. Last week, Mongbvalu General Referral Hospital in Ituri province was attacked for two consecutive days. The attackers set fire to the tents set up for treatment, after which 18 Ebola patients fled from the hospital. Investigation revealed that one person among these patients was Ebola positive and he is still roaming among the people. Health teams are unable to reach eastern Congo due to armed conflict.
The next day there was another attack and 7 more patients also escaped. A serious patient died while trying to escape. It was told that some people wanted to take the bodies of their relatives from the hospital for burial. However, experts say that the bodies of people who died of Ebola are highly infectious. Performing the last rites without protection can cause the infection to spread rapidly.
What steps were taken in India?
India has implemented Covid-like protocols on flights coming from Congo and Uganda, which include rules like thermal screening at the airport and isolation of suspected passengers on the plane. Passengers will have to give self-declaration regarding health. The Government of India issued an advisory on 24 May, advising citizens to avoid travel to Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice. The Kerala government has made it mandatory for travelers coming from affected countries to remain in quarantine for 21 days.
A woman who returned from Uganda to Bengaluru on May 23 was kept in isolation at the Government Epidemic Disease Hospital as a precautionary measure due to mild body ache. According to the Health Ministry, the woman did not have any serious symptoms except body pain. His sample was sent to the National Institute of Virology for testing. In the investigation report, the woman was found to be Ebola negative, after which there was relief.
What steps were taken around the world?
On May 17, 2026, WHO declared Ebola with the Bundibugyo strain spreading in Congo an international health emergency. According to WHO, this infection is posing a threat of spreading across borders, hence joint action is necessary at the international level. Africa’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) has placed 9 countries in the high risk category. These include Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia. The risk of virus spread is high here. EU has given funding of 2 million euros (about 22 crores) to Africa CDC to track Ebola and such viruses.
European countries have activated special passenger tracking systems on routes coming from Africa. On May 25, two suspected Ebola cases were found in Italy, although their reports were negative. America has advised to avoid traveling to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Special screening of passengers coming from these countries is being done. Canada has also stopped the travel and immigration process of citizens of these countries for 90 days. Uganda has banned travel to and from Congo and has also temporarily stopped flights. At the same time, many African countries have increased testing, isolation wards and health monitoring.
How does Ebola spread?
This virus first appeared in Africa in 1976. Ebola is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, body fluids, clothing, bedding and medical equipment. Initially symptoms like fever, weakness and body ache appear. Later, serious problems like vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding may occur. Doctors say that the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases like malaria. For this reason, initial identification becomes difficult and the risk of the infection spreading rapidly increases.
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