In view of the reported outbreaks of Ebola Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO), under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, on 17 May 2026 declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also designated the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).

Additionally, on 22 May 2026, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee issued temporary recommendations aimed at strengthening disease surveillance at Points of Entry to “detect, assess, report and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness.

Neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, have been assessed as being at high risk of cross-border transmission.

Ebola Disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and is associated with a high mortality rate.

Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments available for the prevention or treatment of Ebola Disease caused by this strain.

India has not reported any case of Ebola Disease linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain so far.

The Government of India has advised Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice.

Indian nationals residing in or travelling to these countries are advised to strictly adhere to public health advisories issued by local authorities and exercise enhanced precautionary measures.