The Health Ministry clarified that no Ebola case linked to the Bundibugyo strain has been reported in India so far. However, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in line with international health advisories.
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The government of India today urged its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan following the escalating Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The advisory comes amid growing global concern over the spread of the deadly viral disease across parts of Central and East Africa and renewed efforts by health authorities worldwide to strengthen border surveillance and emergency preparedness.
The Health Ministry said Indian nationals currently residing in or travelling to the affected countries should strictly comply with health and safety protocols issued by local authorities and exercise heightened caution.
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“In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO’s recommendations, the Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice,” the ministry said in its advisory.
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The international concern intensified after the WHO formally declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, citing the risk of cross-border transmission and the potential impact on regional health systems.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a severe viral haemorrhagic fever known for its high fatality rate. Health authorities noted that there are currently no approved vaccines or targeted treatments specifically available for the Bundibugyo strain.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also classified the outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
The Health Ministry clarified that no Ebola case linked to the Bundibugyo strain has been reported in India so far. However, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in line with international health advisories.
The WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on May 22 recommended intensified disease surveillance at international points of entry to identify travellers arriving with unexplained fever or related symptoms from affected regions.
Countries sharing borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, have been identified as being at elevated risk of transmission as containment efforts continue across the region.
Q: How does the #Ebola virus spread from one person to another?
A: Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of an infected person, including someone who has died from the disease. It can also spread through contaminated objects such as bedding,…— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) May 23, 2026
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