New Delhi: The Indian government is closely monitoring the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare said on Monday, following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
A senior Ministry official clarified that there are no reported cases of Ebola in India and that the current risk to the country remains minimal. However, as a matter of abundant caution, surveillance and preparedness measures are being strengthened at points of entry and within the public health system.
Also read: Officials says India closely monitoring Ebola situation, experts urge vigilance
Senior officials of the Ministry, including representatives from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have reviewed the evolving situation and initiated precautionary public health measures.
Among the key measures being put in place, the government has initiated a review of standard operating procedures for screening, surveillance, quarantine and case management. Laboratory preparedness is also being bolstered, with NIV Pune designated as the nodal testing facility and additional laboratories being onboarded in phases.
“Coordination with relevant ministries and agencies for monitoring international travel from affected regions has been enhanced, and isolation and quarantine facilities at major airports and ports have been identified and readied”.
Also read: Hantavirus, Ebola crises: WHO kicks off 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva amid global health concerns
The Ministry urged the public and media not to panic or circulate unverified information, asserting that India’s public health system remains vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any emerging situation. Citizens have been advised to follow official updates issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and WHO.
The government said it will continue to maintain close coordination with international health authorities and take all necessary measures to safeguard public health.
A senior Ministry official clarified that there are no reported cases of Ebola in India and that the current risk to the country remains minimal. However, as a matter of abundant caution, surveillance and preparedness measures are being strengthened at points of entry and within the public health system.
Also read: Officials says India closely monitoring Ebola situation, experts urge vigilance
Senior officials of the Ministry, including representatives from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have reviewed the evolving situation and initiated precautionary public health measures.
Among the key measures being put in place, the government has initiated a review of standard operating procedures for screening, surveillance, quarantine and case management. Laboratory preparedness is also being bolstered, with NIV Pune designated as the nodal testing facility and additional laboratories being onboarded in phases.
“Coordination with relevant ministries and agencies for monitoring international travel from affected regions has been enhanced, and isolation and quarantine facilities at major airports and ports have been identified and readied”.
Also read: Hantavirus, Ebola crises: WHO kicks off 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva amid global health concerns
The Ministry urged the public and media not to panic or circulate unverified information, asserting that India’s public health system remains vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any emerging situation. Citizens have been advised to follow official updates issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and WHO.
The government said it will continue to maintain close coordination with international health authorities and take all necessary measures to safeguard public health.
