New Delhi, May 24 (IANS). The central government on Sunday advised its citizens who are currently living in or traveling to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan to strictly follow the advice issued by local health agencies and take special precautions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ (PHEIC).
“In view of the changing situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries and in line with WHO recommendations, the Government of India advises all Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice,” the health ministry said in an advisory.
The ministry said that no case of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus strain has been reported in India.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the current outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain Ebola virus disease a ‘public health emergency for continental security’.
Additionally, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee issued temporary recommendations on 22 May to strengthen disease surveillance at entry points to detect, assess, report, and manage travelers with unexplained fever arriving from areas where Bundibugyo virus has been detected, as well as to discourage travel to areas where Bundibugyo virus has been detected.
Countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, are considered at high risk of disease spread, according to the statement.
Ebola disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the ‘Bundibugyo’ strain of Ebola virus. It is a serious disease, with a very high mortality rate. There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments approved to prevent or treat Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
–IANS
PSK
