DGHS issues Ebola travel advisory for passengers from high-risk nations

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory for passengers arriving in India from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, directing travellers with symptoms or exposure risks to immediately report to health authorities at airports.

The advisory, issued on May 21, comes amid heightened global vigilance around the spread of Ebola disease in parts of Africa and reinforces India’s public health screening measures for international arrivals.

According to the government notification, travellers who have recently visited high-risk countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan and are experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola have been urged to seek immediate medical attention.

Authorities outline symptoms and reporting rules

The DGHS advisory stated that passengers displaying symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Unexplained bleeding

should promptly contact healthcare authorities and disclose their recent travel history.

The advisory further instructed travellers who have had direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients to immediately report to Airport Health Officers or designated Health Desks before immigration clearance.

Health authorities also warned that symptoms may develop after travel.

According to the advisory, any traveller developing symptoms within 21 days of arrival in India should seek medical care without delay and inform medical personnel about recent travel to affected regions.

Airport health surveillance intensified

The latest directive forms part of India’s broader airport health surveillance and disease prevention framework designed to monitor international passengers arriving from regions facing infectious disease outbreaks.

Passengers have been advised to cooperate fully with:

• Health screening procedures
• Airport medical assessments
• Public health monitoring protocols
• International Health Regulations compliance measures

The government stated that the advisory is intended to strengthen precautionary measures and reduce potential public health risks linked to cross-border disease transmission.

Aviation and health authorities coordinate response

Airport health infrastructure has become an increasingly important component of aviation operations following the global health monitoring systems expanded during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Industry observers note that aviation authorities and public health agencies globally continue reviewing passenger screening systems for infectious diseases, particularly on routes involving high-risk regions.

The DGHS advisory highlights the continued coordination between aviation and healthcare authorities to ensure early detection, passenger awareness and rapid response mechanisms at international entry points.

International travel monitoring remains critical

Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Public health agencies worldwide continue to monitor outbreaks and transmission risks through coordinated international surveillance systems.

The latest Indian advisory reflects continued emphasis on preventive monitoring rather than travel restrictions, with authorities focusing on early identification and rapid reporting procedures for potentially exposed travellers.

As global air connectivity continues expanding, aviation hubs and health authorities are expected to maintain heightened screening preparedness for infectious disease management at international airports.