The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that as of May 21 there are 650 suspected cases — including 144 deaths — linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. On Sunday the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, while saying it had not reached pandemic levels. In response to the evolving situation, the India-Africa Forum Summit, due to begin in New Delhi on May 28, has been postponed.
The Indian government issued an advisory on May 21 for people residing in, travelling to, or returning from African countries affected by Ebola Virus Disease. No cases have been reported in India so far.
The WHO cautioned that a vaccine against this particular Ebola species could take up to nine months to be ready. WHO advisor Dr Vasee Moorthy said two possible candidate vaccines are being developed, but neither has yet entered clinical trials.
Ebola is a bat-borne viral disease that spreads through contact with the body fluids of an infected person or animal, or via contaminated objects. The virus has been observed to spread by airborne routes only in rare instances.
The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Early symptoms can appear suddenly and typically include fever, fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. These can progress to vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash and impaired kidney and liver function.
According to the WHO, Ebola’s average fatality rate is around 50 per cent, though past outbreaks have recorded mortality rates ranging from 25 to 90 per cent. The WHO declaration and international travel advisories highlight the outbreak’s potential to disrupt events and prompt cross-border public-health responses.
Original Source: https://newsonair.gov.in/who-declares-public-health-emergency-over-ebola-outbreak-in-congo-and-uganda/
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Publish Date: 2026-05-24 02:08:00
