Ebola Outbreak Public Health Emergency
Source: PIB
GS II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Ebola Disease
Why in the News?
In light of the reported outbreaks of Ebola Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the World Health Organisation (WHO), under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, on 17 May 2026, determined the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
News in Brief
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus.
- Further, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on 22 May 2026 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance.
- Countries bordering Congo and Uganda are assessed to be at high risk of disease transmission.
About Ebola Disease
- Ebola Disease is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola Virus.
Ebola Outbreak Public Health Emergency - It is a serious disease with a high mortality rate.
- Transmission
- Virus is transmitted to people from wild animals.
- Then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids.
- Cannot be transmitted by air.
- When the infected persons show symptoms, it becomes contagious.
- Symptoms: Fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, bleeding, and often, death.
- The fatality rate is around 50%.
- Chances of survival can be improved with early supportive care.
- Treatment
- No vaccines or specific treatments have been approved to prevent or treat Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
- Maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance and the administration of blood and plasma to control bleeding.
Status of India
- No case of Ebola Virus Disease has been reported in the country so far.
- All necessary arrangements for tracking, testing and surveillance remain in a constant state of readiness.
- Surveillance at ports of entry and coordination among agencies are being closely monitored.
How did India react to the Emergency?
- Dispatched urgent medical supplies and protective kits to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Working directly with the Africa CDC and the African Union to ensure aid is distributed where it is needed most.
- Issuing safety advisories and travel alerts urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.
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