India-Africa Forum Summit postponed in wake of Ebola virus outbreak:MEA says decision taken in view of the ‘evolving health situation in parts of Africa’

India and the African Union have postponed a summit meeting due to take place next week in New Delhi after a deadly Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. “Mindful of the emerging public health situation on the continent… the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date,” India’s foreign ministry said. A joint press release issued by India and African Union on Thursday said that “it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit at a later date”, adding that new dates would be finalised through mutual consultations. The statement did not name the disease but referred to “the evolving health situation in parts of Africa” and to the role of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in leading the response. The two sides also stressed the importance of ensuring the “full participation and engagement of African leaders and stakeholders” in the summit. The India–Africa Forum Summit had been scheduled to take place in New Delhi from May 28–31. 17th Ebola outbreak in Congo since 1976 This is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo since the virus was first detected in the country in 1976. Ebola was initially identified near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name. Health experts have noted that most earlier outbreaks in Congo were linked to the Zaire strain of the virus. This time, however, the Bundibugyo strain has been detected, raising concerns because many existing vaccines and approved treatments were specifically developed for the Zaire strain. Why the Bundibugyo strain is causing concern Experts say the Bundibugyo strain presents a challenge as there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically designed for it. Most existing Ebola therapeutics, including widely used monoclonal antibody treatments and vaccines, target only the Ebola virus (Zaire strain). This means response teams may have to rely primarily on supportive medical care and public health interventions while candidate vaccines and treatments for Bundibugyo continue to remain under development. WHO outlines response strategy WHO said controlling the outbreak will require a combination of measures, including: Intensive supportive care for infected patients Isolation and treatment in designated facilities Disease surveillance and contact tracing Laboratory testing and rapid diagnosis Safe burial procedures Community awareness campaigns Vaccination, where relevant The agency stressed that early supportive treatment, including rehydration and symptom management, can significantly improve survival rates. What is Ebola? Ebola is a rare but severe viral disease that affects humans and is often fatal. It is caused by viruses from the Orthoebolavirus genus of the filoviridae family. Three main viruses are known to cause large outbreaks: Ebola virus (EVD) Sudan virus (SVD) Bundibugyo virus (BVD) The disease first emerged in 1976 in simultaneous outbreaks in what are now South Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo. Symptoms and transmission Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected humans or animals. It can also spread through contaminated surfaces, clothing or medical equipment. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Fatality and treatment WHO says the average fatality rate for Ebola is around 50%, though past outbreaks have seen mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the virus strain and access to healthcare. For the Zaire strain, approved treatments such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines like Ervebo are available. However, for Bundibugyo and Sudan strains, no approved vaccines currently exist. As a result, doctors in the current Congo outbreak are focusing on supportive care, including intravenous fluids, nutrition, treatment of co-infections such as malaria, and symptom relief. Measures to prevent spread Health authorities are urging communities to avoid direct contact with infected individuals and animals. Burial ceremonies involving contact with bodies are also considered a major source of transmission. Medical workers have been advised to use strict infection control measures, including personal protective equipment, safe injections, and biohazard handling protocols. WHO has also warned that survivors can continue to carry the virus in certain body fluids for months after recovery, which may require long-term monitoring and counselling. ​