India Issues Travel Alert Amid Rising Ebola Threat in Africa
Brief By Newsbrief / 2:44 PM on 24 May 2026
The Government of India has issued a fresh travel advisory in response to growing concerns over the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Africa. The advisory specifically urges Indian citizens travelling to or residing in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to remain highly alert and follow all local health and safety protocols.
According to the advisory issued by India’s Health Ministry, the rapidly evolving situation in the affected African regions has raised serious public health concerns. The ministry advised Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to these countries until further notice.
The World Health Organization has also classified the situation as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” In addition, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the ongoing outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus a continental public health emergency.
The Indian government clarified that no case linked to the Bundibugyo strain has been reported in India so far. However, authorities have intensified surveillance and precautionary monitoring measures across the country.
The WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee issued new temporary recommendations on May 22, calling for enhanced screening and surveillance at airports and entry points. Special attention is being given to travelers returning from affected regions who show symptoms such as unexplained fever or signs of viral infection.
Health experts describe Ebola as a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus. The disease can rapidly become life-threatening and is known for its high fatality rate.
Officials have particularly warned that countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda face a higher risk of transmission, while South Sudan has also been categorized as a high-risk region.