Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda today reviewed national preparedness and surveillance measures for Ebola disease in light of the recent outbreak reported in parts of Africa.
Officials informed that India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease so far, even as global health agencies have raised alerts. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, while the Africa CDC has termed it a continental public health emergency.
The Health Minister directed senior officials including the Ministry of Health, Indian Council of Medical Research and National Centre for Disease Control to ensure that tracking, testing, and surveillance systems remain in a state of continuous readiness.
As part of precautionary measures, enhanced screening and surveillance have been activated at international airports and all points of entry. The government has also issued advisories and Standard Operating Procedures covering screening protocols, quarantine measures, clinical management, laboratory testing, and infection prevention practices for all States and Union Territories.
The Centre has also intensified coordination with civil aviation, immigration authorities, and international health agencies to ensure early detection and rapid response mechanisms. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units and airport health teams have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance for any unexplained febrile illnesses among incoming international travellers.
India has also issued a travel advisory advising citizens to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Earlier, detailed SOPs and guidelines were released to strengthen hospital preparedness, isolation facilities, and safe handling protocols for suspected cases.
Health officials reiterated that Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate and noted that no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain. The government continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with global health bodies to safeguard public health.
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