Following the World Health Organization's declaration of Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern, the Indian government has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Government Advisory and Precautions
In a press release, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that Indian citizens currently residing in or planning to travel to these countries are urged to strictly adhere to public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions. The ministry also confirmed that India has not yet reported any cases of Ebola linked to the Bundibugyo strain.
Earlier, on May 21, India issued a health advisory for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. Those exhibiting symptoms or reporting exposure history are required to immediately report to airport health authorities before immigration clearance.
WHO Warning on Fast-Spreading Diseases
The World Health Organization has warned the world about the risk of fast-spreading diseases amid ongoing Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks. Speaking at the seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 23, 2026, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized that recent outbreaks demonstrate the world's continued vulnerability to rapidly spreading infectious diseases. His remarks came as Ugandan authorities confirmed three new cases of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently has no cure or vaccine.
Uganda Reports 867 Ebola Cases and 204 Deaths
The Ebola outbreak in central Africa continues to escalate, with nearly 867 suspected cases and 204 deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of late Saturday, according to the health ministry. The outbreak now affects three provinces in DRC, with the first case confirmed in South Kivu. Additionally, two cases, including one death, have been confirmed in neighboring Uganda after individuals traveled from DRC.
Ebola Virus Transmission
The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no specific vaccine exists. Ebola is a bat-borne viral disease that often turns fatal. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or animal, or contaminated objects. On rare occasions, airborne transmission has been observed. According to WHO, the average case fatality rate for Ebola is around 50 percent, with past outbreaks experiencing rates ranging from 25 to 90 percent.
Global Response
Governments worldwide are tightening border screening and quarantine preparedness. The TOI News Desk, comprising a dedicated team of journalists, continues to provide comprehensive coverage of this evolving situation.
