Why in the News?
The Union Health Ministry stated that India has no reported Ebola cases and the current risk remains minimal, while closely monitoring the outbreak in Central Africa.
Key Highlights
- The outbreak involves Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
- Affected regions include:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Uganda
Measures Taken by India
- Enhanced surveillance at airports and ports
- Monitoring of international travellers from affected regions
- Isolation and quarantine preparedness
- Coordination with relevant ministries and agencies
Agencies Involved
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
About Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
- Severe viral haemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates.
- Spread through:
- Direct contact with infected bodily fluids
- Contaminated surfaces
- Infected animals
Symptoms
- Fever
- Weakness
- Bleeding
- Organ failure in severe cases
What is PHEIC?
- A Public Health Emergency of International Concern is declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) when an outbreak:
- Poses international public health risk
- Requires coordinated global response
| [2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? (a) Syria and Jordan (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam |
