New Delhi, 24 May (H.S.): The central government has advised all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice, in view of the changing situation in Ebola-affected countries and in line with World Health Organization recommendations.

The risk of disease spread is considered highest in Congo, Uganda, neighboring South Sudan and other nearby countries.

The Ministry of Health has issued this advisory. According to the advisory, Indian citizens who are currently living in or traveling through these countries are urged to strictly follow public health guidelines issued by local authorities and take extra precautions. On May 22, the WHO Emergency Committee issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at points of entry, including advice not to travel to areas where the Bundibugyo virus has been detected.

So far, no case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain has been reported in India. Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. It is a severe disease with a very high fatality rate. At present, no vaccine or specific treatment has been approved for the prevention or treatment of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain.

On May 17, under the International Health Regulations, 2005, the World Health Organization declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain Ebola virus disease affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar