India Issues Travel Advisory Amid Ebola Outbreak in Congo, Uganda and South Sudan

New Delhi- The Indian government on Sunday urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan following the outbreak of Ebola disease in the region.

In an advisory issued by the Health Ministry, Indian nationals living in or travelling to the affected countries were asked to remain extra cautious and strictly follow health and safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

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, 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.

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

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

According to the ministry, the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on May 22 recommended stronger screening and surveillance measures at international entry points to identify travellers showing unexplained fever symptoms from affected regions. It also advised against travel to areas where Bundibugyo virus infections have been detected.

Neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, are considered to be at high risk of transmission because of their proximity to the outbreak zones.

Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused in this case by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Health authorities noted that the disease carries a high fatality rate and currently there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for this particular strain.

With inputs from IANS