On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has affected the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, while neighbouring South Sudan has also been identified as high risk for transmission. According to reports, the outbreak has so far led to 216 deaths, while the total number of confirmed and suspected cases has risen to 968. In response, the Indian Ministry of Health has issued a travel advisory and, along with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), intensified airport screening measures for travellers arriving from affected regions. Here’s what Indian travellers need to know.
What WHO has said
- The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has separately classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
- The WHO’s emergency committee has recommended stronger disease surveillance at airports and other entry points, particularly to identify travellers with unexplained fever arriving from affected regions.
- The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which causes a severe viral haemorrhagic fever and carries a high mortality rate.
- At present, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
- India has not reported any cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola so far.
What the Indian government is advising
- The Government of India has advised 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 through these countries have been asked to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions.
- Countries bordering the DRC and Uganda, including South Sudan, are considered at high risk of disease transmission.
- Travellers returning from affected regions are legally required to self-monitor for 21 days after arrival in India.
- Anyone developing symptoms during this period has been advised to seek immediate medical attention and fully disclose their travel history to health authorities.
What travellers can expect at airports
- The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has implemented enhanced screening at major international airports, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- Travellers arriving from or transiting through affected countries will face targeted screening and surveillance measures.
- Airlines operating on routes linked to affected countries have been instructed to make in-flight health announcements and distribute Self-Declaration Forms (SDFs).
- Passengers who show symptoms or have had contact with bodily fluids of suspected Ebola patients are required to report to Airport Health Officers before immigration clearance.
- Airports have also introduced 24/7 thermal screening, visual monitoring, isolation bays and rapid-response ambulance services to manage suspected cases quickly.