India issues travel advisory for three African nations amid Ebola outbreak scare

India has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to three African countries following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The advisory applies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan, where authorities are monitoring the spread of the Ebola virus, particularly the rare Bundibugyo strain currently circulating in parts of Central and East Africa.

According to the WHO, the outbreak has raised concerns because of cross-border transmission risks, high population mobility and the absence of approved vaccines or targeted therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain.

Indian authorities have intensified health surveillance measures at airports and border entry points following the WHO declaration. Enhanced screening protocols are being implemented for travellers arriving from affected African regions.

The Union Health Ministry has advised travellers returning from Ebola-affected countries to monitor their health for symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding, and to immediately report to medical authorities if symptoms appear.

Officials have clarified that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in India.

Karnataka increases preparedness after WHO alert

Following the WHO’s global emergency declaration, Karnataka has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures as a precautionary response.

The Karnataka Health Department said travellers returning from Ebola-affected countries have been advised to undergo self-monitoring and health observation for 21 days after arrival in India. Those developing symptoms have been asked to immediately contact the nearest health facility.

State authorities said surveillance systems were being strengthened and the situation was being monitored continuously in coordination with central health agencies.

Why the Ebola outbreak is raising global concern

The WHO declared the outbreak a global health emergency after cases were reported in the DRC and Uganda, with concerns over regional spread and gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

As of recent WHO assessments, hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths have been linked to the outbreak, with the majority reported from the DRC. Uganda has also confirmed multiple infections linked to cross-border movement.

Health authorities globally are closely monitoring the outbreak because Ebola is a highly fatal viral disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. However, officials and public health experts have stressed that Ebola does not spread as easily as airborne respiratory viruses such as COVID-19.

The current outbreak has also drawn attention because the Bundibugyo strain does not yet have approved targeted vaccines or treatments, unlike some earlier Ebola strains.

Indian authorities said the advisory and enhanced screening measures were precautionary and aimed at preventing potential import of infections through international travel.