Health Minister reviews Ebola preparedness and surveillance measures

Union Minister JP Nadda. | Photo credit: ANI

Union Health Minister JP Nadda here on Monday reviewed the preparedness and surveillance measures to fight the Ebola virus, amid fears that the recent outbreak in Africa may spread to other parts of the world.

India has not yet reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola.

The ministry said it is closely monitoring the Ebola situation in Africa and has proactively stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures across the country as an abundant precaution to protect public health.

“We are working closely with the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and other concerned agencies and have strengthened public health surveillance and preparedness across the country,” a senior ministry official said.

Meetings were also held with States/UTs and affected stakeholders to review preparedness and response measures.

The ministry has directed all agencies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), to keep monitoring, testing and surveillance facilities on constant alert.

On 24 May, India issued a travel advisory for citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) units and airport health organizations have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance for unexplained febrile illness among international travelers and to ensure prompt reporting and resolution of any suspected case.

Ebola causes a severe viral hemorrhagic fever and has a high mortality rate. There are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

Published – 25 May 2026 19:47 IST