The Union Health Ministry has clarified that there was no reported case of Ebola in India and the current risk to the country remained minimal.
The statement was issued on Monday (May 18, 2026) with the Ministry noting that close monitoring of the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda was being maintained.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the situation as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
“As a matter of abundant caution, surveillance and preparedness measures are being strengthened at points of entry and within the public health system,” said a Ministry source.
He added that along with enhanced coordination with relevant Ministries and agencies for monitoring international travel from affected regions, identification and readiness of isolation and quarantine facilities at major airports and ports have been initiated.
Senior officials of the Ministry, including officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), ICMR and other divisions concerned have reviewed the evolving situation and initiated precautionary public health measures, said the source.
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The Ministry is also reviewing SOPs for screening, surveillance, quarantine and case management and strengthening laboratory preparedness, with NIV Pune designated for testing and additional laboratories being onboarded in phases.
The Ministry has urged the public not to panic or spread unverified information.
Published - May 18, 2026 09:25 pm IST
health / disease / viral diseases
Source: The Hindu - India News
