UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda Reviews Preparedness Measures for Ebola Disease in view of rising cases in parts of Africa

Q1. Counting from the first-ever such declaration in 2009 up to and including the May 2026 declaration for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, how many times in total has the WHO Director-General declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005)?

  • A. Six
  • B. Seven
  • C. Eight
  • D. Ten

Q2. According to WHO, how many species of the genus Ebolavirus are recognised, of which only one (Reston ebolavirus) is not known to cause disease in humans?

  • A. Three
  • B. Four
  • C. Five
  • D. Six

Q3. With reference to the 2026 outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, consider the following: 1. It is the 17th Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1976. 2. It was centred on the Ituri Province of the DRC. 3. It subsequently spread to Uganda. 4. A licensed vaccine approved specifically against the Bundibugyo virus was deployed during the outbreak. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It is the 17th Ebola disease outbreak in the DRC since 1976.
  2. It was centred on the Ituri Province of the DRC.
  3. It subsequently spread to Uganda.
  4. A licensed vaccine approved specifically against the Bundibugyo virus was deployed during the outbreak.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q4. During the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, the continental-level emergency — a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) — for the affected African region was declared by which one of the following bodies?

  • A. Africa CDC
  • B. WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO)
  • C. The African Union Commission
  • D. The West African Health Organization (WAHO)

Q5. With reference to India's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the institutions associated with it, consider the following statements: 1. The IDSP was launched in 2004, and its country-wide implementation was entrusted to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), formerly the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD). 2. Under the IDSP, the State — rather than the district — is designated as the hub of all surveillance information. 3. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) under the IDSP are intended to detect and respond to outbreaks in their early rising phase. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The IDSP was launched in 2004, and its country-wide implementation was entrusted to the NCDC, formerly the NICD.
  2. Under the IDSP, the State — rather than the district — is designated as the hub of all surveillance information.
  3. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) under the IDSP are intended to detect and respond to outbreaks in their early rising phase.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. Which single institution was entrusted with the country-wide implementation of India's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)?

  • A. National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
  • B. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
  • C. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
  • D. NITI Aayog

Q7. The Standard Operating Procedure on public health preparedness and response to Ebola disease, and the guidelines on hospital infection control and safe handling of human remains, were issued in 2026 by which Union Ministry?

  • A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • B. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • C. Ministry of Civil Aviation
  • D. Ministry of AYUSH

Q8. Under India's Ebola preparedness at international airports, which body is the designated frontline health authority responsible for screening and vigilance over international travellers for unexplained febrile illness?

  • A. Airport Health Organizations (APHOs)
  • B. Bureau of Immigration
  • C. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
  • D. Airports Authority of India

Q9. During the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak — the largest in history — the declaration of a global public health emergency and the coordination of the international response fell within the mandate of which organisation?

  • A. World Health Organization (WHO)
  • B. Africa CDC
  • C. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC)
  • D. United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER)

Q10. With reference to the Africa CDC and its role during the 2026 Ebola outbreak, consider the following: 1. It is the public health agency of the African Union. 2. During the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak it declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). 3. A PHEIC is declared by the WHO Director-General, whereas a PHECS is declared by the Africa CDC. 4. It is a specialised agency of the United Nations. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It is the public health agency of the African Union.
  2. During the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak it declared a PHECS.
  3. A PHEIC is declared by the WHO Director-General, whereas a PHECS is declared by the Africa CDC.
  4. It is a specialised agency of the United Nations.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4