Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 24: The Indian government has urged citizens living in or planning to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan to exercise extreme caution following the outbreak of Ebola disease in the region.

In an official advisory issued on Sunday, the Health Ministry asked Indian nationals to strictly follow public health guidelines issued by local authorities and remain highly vigilant as the situation evolves.

The advisory comes after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak 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, Indian citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice,” the ministry stated.

Authorities clarified that India has not reported any confirmed case of Ebola disease linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain so far.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also designated the ongoing outbreak in Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.

According to the ministry, the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee recently recommended enhanced disease surveillance at airports and border checkpoints to identify travellers arriving with unexplained fever or related symptoms from affected regions.

The committee also advised against travel to areas where the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has been detected.
Health authorities warned that neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, face a high risk of transmission because of cross-border movement and regional connectivity.

Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The disease is associated with a high fatality rate and can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Officials noted that, at present, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.

The government has advised travellers to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, bleeding and body pain, and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop after visiting affected regions.