Center closely monitoring the Ebola situation in Central Africa: Ministry of Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Image for illustration only. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Union Health Ministry has clarified that no case of Ebola has been reported in India and the current risk to the country remains minimal.

The statement was issued on Monday (May 18, 2026) with the ministry noting that close monitoring is being maintained 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.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

“Out of an abundance of caution, surveillance and preparedness measures are being strengthened at entry points and within the public health system,” said a ministry source.

He added that along with enhanced coordination with relevant ministries and agencies to monitor international travel from the affected regions, the identification and readiness of isolation and quarantine facilities at major airports and ports has begun.

Senior officials of the ministry, including officials from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), ICMR and other concerned divisions reviewed the developing situation and initiated public health precautionary measures, the source said.

The ministry is also revising standard operating procedures for screening, surveillance, quarantine and case management and strengthening laboratory readiness, with NIV Pune earmarked for testing and other laboratories being phased in.

The ministry urged the public not to panic and not to spread unverified information.

Published – 18 May 2026 21:25 IST