In view of the increasing cases of Ebola virus in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) here. The situation in Congo and Uganda has become very serious. Meanwhile, India has also issued an alert.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday (May 24) issued an advisory to Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. This advisory has come at a time when WHO has declared the increasing outbreak of Ebola virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Advice to avoid traveling to these places
- Congo
- uganda
- South Sudan
Travel guidelines issued
The Health Ministry said that under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, on 17 May 2026, WHO considered this situation a global health emergency. After this, the Government of India has taken precautionary measures and issued travel guidelines for the citizens.
Africa CDC also expressed concern
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also declared the Bundibugyo strain Ebola infection spreading in Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
WHO’s emergency committee advised member states on 22 May to increase surveillance at entry points to identify travelers arriving from affected areas with fever or suspicious symptoms. Along with this, people have also been advised to avoid traveling to areas where the virus has been confirmed.
176 suspicious deaths so far
According to WHO data, as of May 21, 746 suspected cases and 176 suspected deaths have been recorded in Congo. So far, 85 cases have been confirmed in both the countries, including two cases from Uganda. So far 10 people have died in these cases. According to experts, the risk of infection spreading to neighboring countries including South Sudan is very high. This is the reason why India has asked not to travel to these countries.
Densely populated and hospital in JD
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Ebola cases are no longer limited to remote areas but are also being reported in urban areas. He said that the spread of infection in densely populated cities is a big cause for concern. Along with this, cases of infection and deaths are also being reported among health workers, which indicates that the virus outbreak has started spreading in hospitals also. According to WHO, if the infection increases within the health system, the situation may become more dangerous.
What is Ebola virus?
Ebola is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain. This disease is considered extremely fatal and its mortality rate is very high. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for this strain.
Government keeping an eye on the situation
However, no case of this strain has been reported so far in India. The Health Ministry said that the situation is being continuously monitored and all necessary precautionary measures are being adopted. The government has said that Indian citizens who are currently living or traveling in the affected countries should strictly follow the guidelines issued by local health authorities and exercise extra caution. The ministry made it clear that the safest option would be to postpone non-essential travel to these countries until further notice.
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