Posted on: Mon 18-05-2026

Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified national surveillance following fresh Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a recently confirmed imported case in Uganda.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, reassured Nigerians that no Ebola case has been detected in the country, but emphasized that the agency is maintaining heightened vigilance due to the evolving situation in the region.

Health authorities in the affected countries, supported by global partners, have activated emergency response systems that include enhanced surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, infection prevention and control, case management, contact tracing, and public risk communication.

The NCDC noted that increased cross border movement within Africa makes close monitoring essential. The agency is working with Port Health Services and other stakeholders to strengthen preparedness at all points of entry and across the national health system.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, secretions, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically appear between 2 and 21 days and may include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid misinformation, and adhere to preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with bodily fluids, and reporting unusual illnesses promptly. Healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, especially when dealing with patients who have relevant travel or exposure history.

Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak was highlighted as evidence of the country’s improved emergency preparedness, surveillance capacity, and coordinated public health response. The NCDC affirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.

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