Stay alert, not afraid: NCDC clarifies Ebola risk in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has clarified that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria.

In a public health advisory issued on Saturday and signed by its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, the agency confirmed it is collaborating with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and development partners to monitor disease outbreaks and strengthen the country’s preparedness.

The NCDC noted that heightened surveillance is ongoing, particularly at Nigeria’s borders and entry points, to enable early detection of any potential threats.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are being reinforced across healthcare facilities nationwide to protect both patients and frontline workers. The Centre further stated that its risk communication and community engagement structures have been activated to provide accurate information and counter misinformation, rumours, and public fear.

“There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria at present. However, we are taking proactive measures to enhance surveillance, preparedness, and public awareness,” the advisory read.

The reassurance comes amid a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths — including four health workers — have been recorded as of 5 September. Lab tests conducted on 3 September by the country’s National Institute of Biomedical Research confirmed the outbreak as the Zaire strain of Ebola virus.

The NCDC warned that Nigeria’s risk remains elevated due to regional travel and the ongoing humanitarian and health crises in Central and West Africa, including cholera, malnutrition, and displacement.

To mitigate risks, the agency has intensified monitoring at airports and land borders and urged Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene practices — including regular handwashing with soap under running water and avoiding contact with sick individuals, animal carcasses, or raw meat from wild animals such as fruit bats, monkeys, and apes.

The advisory also included specific guidance for healthcare workers, reiterating the importance of strict IPC protocols, contact tracing, safe burial practices, and the immediate isolation of suspected cases.

The NCDC advised Nigerians to avoid all but essential travel to countries with active Ebola outbreaks and to be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and unexplained bleeding. Those experiencing such symptoms after recent travel to affected regions are urged to call the toll-free line (6232) or contact their State Ministry of Health and remain in isolation pending a medical response.

“We remain on high alert,” the NCDC said. “Our coordination with the World Health Organization and Africa CDC is ongoing. Nigeria’s laboratory and surveillance capacities are being enhanced to ensure swift detection and response.”

The Centre also reminded the public that Nigeria is concurrently battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, mpox, measles, and anthrax — and that regular updates would continue to be provided.