Ebola Alert at Delhi Airport: Flyers From High-Risk Countries Asked to Report; New Health Advisory Issued

Passengers landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport have been asked to watch for Ebola virus symptoms and report concerns. The airport advisory targets travellers arriving from, or passing through, affected nations. Sick passengers are urged to contact airport health staff "immediately" before moving ahead in the terminal.

Ebola Virus Alert at Delhi Airport: International Flyers Asked to Report Fever, Illness Amid Ebola Monitoring

The notice follows a review by Union health secretary on 21 May with state officials. That meeting examined current readiness and response steps for Ebola Virus Disease, also known as EVD. Authorities discussed screening, case detection, and coordination between airports and health departments across India.

Ebola virus advisory for high-risk countries and case numbers

The advisory identifies Congo, Uganda and South Sudan as "high-risk" countries for Ebola virus. It applies to passengers who start travel there or transit through these locations en route to Delhi. All such travellers feeling unwell are asked to act quickly and seek help from airport health teams.

According to data shared in the advisory, 51 Ebola cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization has indicated that actual infections in DRC are likely higher. Officials view this broader spread as a reason for tighter monitoring at major entry points.

Ebola virus symptoms

The airport message lists several warning signs for Ebola virus infection. These include fever, tiredness or fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Unexplained bleeding and sore throat are also highlighted. Passengers are told to stay alert to such symptoms during and after their journey.

People who had direct contact with blood or other body fluids of someone suspected or confirmed with Ebola Disease receive special instructions. They must report to the airport health officer or health desk before immigration clearance. Staff can then guide further checks or referral to medical facilities.

The airport guidance stresses that illness can appear later, after passengers have left IGI. "Any traveller developing the above symptoms within 21 DAYS of arrival should immediately seek medical care and inform healthcare authorities about their travel history," the advisory stated. Hospitals are expected to use this information for quick assessment.

Health teams at the airport are also asking for full support from passengers during checks. "Please cooperate with health screening and public health measures in the interest of passenger safety and International Health Regulations (IHR)," it said. Officials say cooperation helps limit spread within flights and crowded terminals.

Ebola virus disease is described by experts as a severe and often fatal illness that is endemic to Congo's tropical forests. Africa CDC states that infection spreads through contact with bodily fluids of infected people, contaminated items, or bodies of those who died from the disease. These routes inform current airport precautions.

Country	Risk status in advisory	Confirmed Ebola cases
Democratic Republic of Congo	High-risk	51
Uganda	High-risk	Not specified
South Sudan	High-risk	Not specified

Officials at Delhi airport and the health ministry continue to watch the Ebola situation in DRC and nearby countries. The advisory aims to detect possible imported cases early and protect other passengers. Authorities plan to keep screening and information measures in place while the outbreak persists.