Centre closely monitoring Ebola situation in Central Africa; Public health measures being strengthened: Sources
New Delhi, May 19
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is closely monitoring the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, following the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization, sources in the ministry have informed.
Senior officials of the Ministry, including officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), ICMR and other concerned divisions, have reviewed the evolving situation and initiated precautionary public health measures.
Senior official in the Ministry of Health clarified on Monday that there is no reported case of Ebola in India, and the current risk to the country remains minimal. However, as a matter of abundant caution, surveillance and preparedness measures are being strengthened at points of entry and within the public health system.
Sources noted key preparedness measures include review of SOPs for screening, surveillance, quarantine and case management, strengthening laboratory preparedness, with NIV Pune designated for testing and additional laboratories being onboarded in phases, enhanced coordination with relevant Ministries and agencies for monitoring international travel from affected regions and identification and readiness of isolation and quarantine facilities at major airports and ports.
The Ministry has urged the public and media not to panic or spread unverified information. It asserted that India's public health system remains vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any emerging situation. Citizens are advised to follow official updates issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the WHO.
The official asserted that the Government continues to maintain close coordination with international health authorities and will take all necessary measures to safeguard public health, said the sources.
Meanwhile, Dr NK Arora, AIIMS Bilaspur President, also urged citizens to stay calm, saying there is no reason to panic in India amid the Ebola outbreak that resulted in nearly 100 deaths in eastern Congo's Ituri province, with several suspected cases.
"No, there is absolutely no reason for panicking, because this is a disease or a virus, which does not spread too rapidly. But in the process, the virus leads to countries, particularly from geographical areas where the virus is currently circulating, so we need to be very careful, and because there is a lot of mobility, people travel, and so we need to be careful," Dr Arora told ANI.
He further spoke about the One Health mission surveillance system, adding, "There is a scare, and I think with the announcement of the public health emergency of international concern, in fact, India is one of those few countries. We have a one health mission, and we are looking at very innovative surveillance systems where the jumping of a virus or a pathogen from animals to human beings can be monitored, and we are establishing that surveillance. So a lot of efforts are being made, and we will continue. I think the country should continue to work and strengthen that system."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who works in global health, I appreciate India's caution. The Bundibugyo strain is less transmissible than the Zaire strain but still dangerous. Screening at ports is smart. But the public needs to understand this isn't like COVID - it spreads through bodily fluids, not air. No need for masks or lockdowns. Stay informed, not scared.
I remember the 2014 Ebola scare - people were hoarding sanitizers and panicking unnecessarily. Now the government is asking us not to panic, which is good. But honestly, our public health system still has gaps. What about the millions who travel daily in local trains or buses? Are they screening everyone? Feels like we're just doing the bare minimum sometimes. 😕
Interesting that they mentioned NIV Pune. That lab did excellent work during COVID. But 100 deaths in Congo is serious - hope the WHO and India are coordinating aid too. This is where global solidarity matters. Good to see India taking a leadership role in the region.
Honestly, I trust Dr Arora's opinion. He was very measured during COVID too. The key point is this virus doesn't spread rapidly through air - it's mainly through direct contact with sick people's bodily fluids. So yeah, panic nahi karne ka. But still, we need to ensure our healthcare workers are trained properly, especially in remote areas.
The One Health surveillance system sounds impressive. But let's be realistic - implementing that across India's vast and diverse landscape will take years. Right now, the immediate need is to ensure airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata have proper isolation facilities
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.