The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has announced heightened preparedness to prevent the importation of the Ebola virus disease following a new outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a public health advisory issued on Saturday, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, stressed that no case has been detected in Nigeria but assured that the agency has activated its response mechanisms.
“There are no confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria at the moment,” Idris stated.
“However, our teams are working round the clock with ministries, agencies, and development partners to boost surveillance and strengthen our preparedness nationwide.”
According to the agency, preventive measures now in place include increased monitoring at airports, seaports, and land borders to ensure early detection of suspected cases. Health facilities across the country have also been placed on alert to reinforce infection prevention and control practices.
The NCDC further explained that its risk communication and community engagement units are already sensitising the public and tackling misinformation about the disease.
“Our structures have been activated to provide accurate, timely updates and address rumours or perceptions that could create panic,” the statement noted.
Ebola, a rare but often fatal illness, spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, or bodily fluids of infected persons and animals, particularly fruit bats, monkeys, and apes.
The NCDC has advised Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene, avoid bushmeat consumption, and report any unusual symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding.
“Early recognition, isolation of patients, and initiation of supportive treatment are key to saving lives,” Idris emphasized.
“We urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions and to immediately contact the NCDC’s toll-free line 6232 or state health hotlines if they or someone they know shows symptoms after travel.”
The advisory comes as health officials in DR Congo confirmed 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths—including four health workers—linked to the Ebola Zaire strain in Kasai Province.
While reassuring Nigerians of ongoing coordination with the World Health Organization and regional health bodies, the NCDC also highlighted that the country continues to battle other outbreaks, including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, and cholera.
“As always, we remain committed to protecting the health of Nigerians,” Idris said. “We will continue to update the public as the situation unfolds.”
