BMC MARD calls for vigilance, preparedness amid Ebola outbreak in Africa

Mumbai: Amid reports of an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, the BMC Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has issued an advisory to resident doctors working across BMC hospitals in Mumbai, urging vigilance, preparedness, and strict adherence to infection control protocols. 

Medical Dialogues had recently reported that the centre has intensified Ebola preparedness and surveillance measures across the country as the outbreak in some parts of Africa continued to expand, raising global health concerns. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, reviewed the country's preparedness and surveillance measures in response to the recent Ebola outbreak.

Also Read:Ebola Alert: JP Nadda reviews preparedness amid Africa outbreak

According to the advisory issued on May 27, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in certain regions as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The outbreak presently involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and is mainly limited to Congo and neighbouring Uganda. At present, there are no reported outbreaks or community spread in India. 

However, it urges healthcare workers to remain alert and prepared in case of any future suspected cases or imported infections.

BMC MARD has also appealed to the resident doctors across Mumbai hospitals to cooperate with hospital administrations and public health authorities. The advisory stresses the importance of following any infection control protocols, surveillance measures, and preparedness guidelines issued by health authorities from time to time.

Speaking about the advisory, Dr Amar Agame, General Secretary, BMC MARD, said, “As frontline healthcare workers, resident doctors have always stood committed towards patient care and public health service. Through this advisory, BMC MARD aims to promote awareness, preparedness and responsible healthcare practices while avoiding unnecessary panic. We remain fully committed to cooperating with hospital administration and public health authorities in the larger interest of patient welfare.”

Symptoms of Ebola

Ebola infection typically begins with early, non-specific symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding manifestations, and in advanced stages, shock along with multiorgan failure.

Why the outbreak is a concern

The advisory outlines several reasons why the current Ebola outbreak requires attention from healthcare systems globally:

• No licensed vaccine or specific treatment is currently available for the Bundibugyo strain.

• Population movement may make contact tracing difficult.

• Ebola carries a high fatality rate depending on the outbreak severity.

• Limited diagnostic facilities are available in affected regions.

Mode of Transmission

Ebola spreads mainly through:

•Direct contact with blood, body fluids, vomitus or secretions of an infected person

•Contact with contaminated materials and surfaces

•Unsafe handling practices during care of infected individuals or unsafe burial practices.

The advisory further clarifies that Ebola is not airborne in normal community settings, distinguishing it from highly transmissible respiratory infections such as COVID-19.

Preventive measures for healthcare workers

Resident doctors have been advised to strictly follow infection prevention and control practices, including proper hand hygiene, universal precautions, safe biomedical waste disposal, and adherence to institutional guidelines if additional protocols are introduced.

The advisory also stresses the importance of maintaining preparedness without causing unnecessary panic.

Also Read:Ebola Scare: Ugandan woman with suspected symptoms shifted to Bengaluru Hospital