New Delhi, May 24: The Government of India has issued a travel advisory cautioning citizens against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, following reports of an Ebola outbreak in these countries. The advisory comes in response to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has prompted global health authorities to strengthen surveillance and issue urgent recommendations. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

According to the Health Ministry, while India has not reported any cases of Ebola disease, citizens residing in or travelling to affected regions are advised to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions. “In view of the evolving situation and in line with WHO’s recommendations, Indian citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan until further notice,” the advisory stated.

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The WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, in its May 22 recommendations, urged countries to strengthen disease surveillance at Points of Entry to detect, assess, and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection. The committee also discouraged travel to regions currently reporting Ebola cases.

Neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, have been assessed to be at high risk of transmission due to their proximity to the outbreak zones. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. At present, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, making prevention and containment measures critical.

Health experts emphasise that early detection, isolation of suspected cases, and strict adherence to infection control protocols are essential to preventing the spread of the disease. The advisory highlights India’s proactive stance in safeguarding citizens from potential exposure to the deadly virus.

As the global community intensifies efforts to contain the outbreak, Indian travellers are urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated on official health advisories.