New Delhi: The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC), the highest level of global health alert issued by the agency.
The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has raised concern among health authorities because there are currently no widely approved vaccines or specific treatments available for the strain. The affected regions include eastern Congo, particularly Ituri province, along with parts of Uganda.
Health experts, however, said there is no immediate reason for concern in India, even as countries have been advised to strengthen surveillance, testing and emergency response systems.
According to Aniket Mule, Ebola remains a “rare but very serious viral infection” that can lead to high fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, bleeding and organ failure.
“The recent concern comes from new outbreaks reported in parts of Africa, especially Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This has led global health authorities to closely watch the situation. One reason experts are particularly focused is that the current outbreak involves a strain for which there is no widely approved vaccine available,” said Dr Mule.
Experts noted that Ebola spreads differently from airborne infections such as Covid-19 and generally requires close physical contact for transmission.
“It mainly spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated items of an infected person. Family members caring for patients and healthcare workers face higher risks if they do not follow proper precautions,” said Dr Mule.
The virus can also spread during unsafe burial practices involving infected bodies. Because transmission occurs through direct contact, experts said Ebola outbreaks are usually easier to contain than diseases that spread through the air.
On the situation in India, Dr Mule said authorities remain alert but there is no outbreak in the country at present.
“No outbreak has been reported in the country, and Ebola is not the type of virus that spreads casually in public or through everyday interactions. However, health authorities worldwide remain alert because international travel can sometimes lead to isolated imported cases.”
He added that India’s surveillance and airport screening systems have improved significantly after the Covid-19 pandemic, helping strengthen preparedness in case of any suspected infection.
Experts have advised travellers visiting affected African regions to avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms such as fever, bleeding or severe illness. They have also cautioned against handling body fluids or coming into contact with dead animals, especially bats and primates, which are known carriers of the virus.
“It’s also crucial to avoid handling body fluids or coming into contact with dead animals, especially bats and primates, which are known carriers of the virus.”
Doctors said maintaining hand hygiene and following infection-control practices remain the most effective preventive measures. Healthcare workers have also been advised to continue using protective equipment wherever necessary.
For the general public in India, experts said there is no need for panic buying, masks or avoiding travel, adding that awareness and reliable information remain the best response to the situation.
BI Bureau
