Global health agencies have intensified warnings after fresh Ebola outbreaks emerged in parts of Africa.

In response, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has advised Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

The advisory follows growing concerns over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

The World Health Organisation classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations framework.

Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, highlighting fears of wider regional transmission.

According to WHO data released on May 21, Congo alone recorded 746 suspected Ebola cases and 176 suspected deaths.

Across Congo and Uganda, authorities confirmed 85 infections and 10 deaths so far. Health officials warned that the Bundibugyo strain can cause severe haemorrhagic fever, organ failure, and high fatality rates.

The WHO also raised concerns over cross-border movement in neighbouring regions. Countries such as South Sudan remain vulnerable because of strong regional connectivity and population movement.

Therefore, international health authorities recommended stricter screening at airports and entry points to detect travellers with unexplained fever or other symptoms.

Another major concern is the absence of an approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the Bundibugyo strain.

Experts say this increases the urgency for surveillance, early detection, and isolation measures in affected regions.

The Indian government clarified that no case related to the current Ebola strain has been detected in India.

However, officials stated that the situation remains under close monitoring in coordination with global health agencies.

Additionally, Indian citizens currently living in or travelling through affected African countries have been advised to follow local health guidelines carefully and maintain strict precautions.

Authorities continue to strengthen preparedness measures to prevent any possible spread of the disease from occurring in the country.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 02, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/920624