WHO declares Ebola outbreak 'public health emergency' of international concern
New Delhi, May 24
In light of the reported outbreaks of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the World Health Organisation, under the International Health Regulations, 2005, on May 17, determined the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain Ebola virus disease affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
Further, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on May 22 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at Points of Entry to "detect, assess, report and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection" while also "discouraging travel to areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection".
As per the press release, countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, are assessed to be at high risk of disease transmission.
Ebola disease is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola virus. It is a serious disease with a high mortality rate. At present, no vaccines or specific treatments have been approved to prevent or treat Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
India has not reported any case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO's recommendations, the 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.
Indian citizens currently residing in or travelling to these countries are advised to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions, the press release said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is concerning for global health security. WHO's declaration is serious. Hope neighbouring African countries get the support they need. India's no-travel advisory makes sense given our dense population.
Important announcement but I wish better coordination between WHO and national health ministries. India has strengthened its disease surveillance post-COVID but we still need more investment in public health labs in border states.
No vaccine for this strain? That's scary. 😰 Glad India is taking precautions. But also feel for people in DRC and Uganda dealing with this. International solidarity is needed now more than ever.
As someone who travels to East Africa for work, this is concerning. The high mortality rate of Bundibugyo strain is alarming. India's advisory is sensible but hope our government also coordinates with African CDC for real-time data sharing.
Useful advisory but one critical point - India should also monitor travellers from South Sudan and Rwanda, not just DRC and Uganda. These border countries are high risk as article mentions. Let's be thorough in screening. 🩺
Praying for everyone affected in Africa. 🙏 India's experience with Nipah and COVID outbreaks should give us confidence in managing such challenges. Good to see our health
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