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New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
A laboratory-confirmed case has also been reported in Kinshasa, the DRC’s capital, located about 1,000 kilometers from Ituri—the outbreak’s epicenter. This has intensified global concerns about the virus’s potential spread.
WHO Urges Against Border Closures
The WHO cautioned countries with no land borders to the affected nations against closing borders or restricting travel and trade. “Such measures are usually driven by fear rather than science,” the organization said. “They can push movement toward informal crossings with no surveillance, increasing the risk of disease spread and negatively impacting local economies and relief efforts.”
What About India?
Indian health experts have emphasized that while vigilance is essential, there is no reason for panic. Unlike COVID-19, Ebola does not spread through airborne transmission; it requires direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or saliva.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS, explained, “Close physical contact is necessary for Ebola transmission, making the risk of a global pandemic extremely low. The virus is often contracted through contact with infected bats, wild animals, or cadavers.”
India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring the situation. Since the 2014 outbreak, when one traveler tested positive for Ebola, India has strengthened its preparedness through nationwide screening, isolation protocols, and laboratory readiness. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and NCDC operate specialized RT-PCR facilities capable of rapid Ebola detection.
Precautionary Measures
Experts stress the importance of screening travelers from affected regions and monitoring them for up to 21 days—the virus’s incubation period. Dr. Neeraj Nischal, Professor of Medicine at AIIMS, said, “The overall risk remains low, but in our interconnected world, infectious diseases can travel across continents quickly. Airport surveillance, travel screening, and robust emergency response systems are essential.”
Recognizing Ebola Symptoms
Ebola typically begins suddenly, with fever, fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, headaches, and sore throat. As it progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and impaired kidney or liver function. Severe cases can involve internal or external bleeding, including from the nose, gums, or digestive tract.
Even after recovery, survivors may face long-term complications such as fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headaches, eye problems, abdominal pain, and weight fluctuations.
While Ebola is serious, Indian authorities remain confident in the country’s ability to detect and contain cases early, minimizing the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak.
