The government is issuing an Ebola advisory for travelers arriving from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a health advisory for travelers arriving from or passing through Ebola-affected countries. Photo credit: APHO via PTI

India has issued a health advisory for travelers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, asking those with symptoms or a history of exposure to report immediately to airport health authorities before immigration clearance.

The alert issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) specifically mentions travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, all of which have been classified as “high-risk countries” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Watch out for symptoms:

The alert was issued at the Delhi airport by the Airport Health Organization (APHO). Travelers are advised to watch out for symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat and unexplained bleeding.

It also asks passengers who have had direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a patient with suspected or confirmed Ebola to report immediately to an airport health professional or health counter.

According to APHO, any traveler who develops symptoms within 21 days of arrival should seek medical attention immediately and inform the authorities of their travel history.

On Wednesday (May 20, 2026), Union Health Minister Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a high-level review meeting with Health Ministers of all states and Union Territories to assess Ebola response preparedness and measures.

Union Health Ministry officials have clarified that no case of Ebola has been detected in India so far.

After the WHO declared Ebola a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the Indian government has proactively strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures across the country as an abundant precaution, official sources said.

During the meeting, States and Union Territories were advised to ensure preparedness at all levels.

Detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering pre-arrival and post-arrival screening, quarantine protocols, case management, transmission mechanisms and laboratory testing have already been shared with all states and Union Territories.

All concerned ministries and departments have also been sensitized and are taking appropriate preventive and surveillance measures in coordination with the health ministry, sources said.

Published – 21 May 2026 13:00 IST