The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that the country has not recorded any case of Ebola virus disease.
According to Nairametrics, the agency, however, issued a health advisory following the confirmation of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo
The Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the DRC Ministry of Health reported the outbreak in Kasai Province. As of September 4, 2025, the country had documented 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers.
He explained that the outbreak affected the Bulape and Mweka health zones. Symptoms reported include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding.
“Samples tested at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed Ebola Zaire as the causative strain,” Idris revealed. “The estimated fatality rate stands at 57%, though investigations are still ongoing.”
Nigeria Steps Up Preparedness
In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja, Idris stressed that Nigeria remains on high alert. Surveillance has been intensified at points of entry, health facilities, and communities to prevent any spread.
He noted that the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed a National Rapid Response Team with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). These measures aim to improve surveillance, infection control, laboratory testing, and case management.
“The NCDC, in collaboration with relevant agencies and partners, continues to strengthen preparedness. Surveillance at borders has been heightened, and health facilities are reinforcing infection prevention and control,” Idris added.
He also reminded Nigerians that the Ebola Zaire strain has an approved vaccine, Ervebo, which is effective in preventing infection.
NCDC Issues Safety Advisory
The NCDC advised Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with people showing symptoms of unknown illness, and minimize wildlife-to-human transmission risks by handling animals with protective gear. Citizens were also urged to avoid direct contact with blood and body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients.
Travellers were cautioned against non-essential trips to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Nigerians with recent travel history to affected regions who develop symptoms should call 6232 or their State Ministry of Health hotline.
For healthcare workers, the agency stressed strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and immediate reporting of suspected cases.
Understanding Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola, formerly called Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe disease with a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. The incubation period is between 2 and 21 days.
Initial symptoms include sudden fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain. These may progress to vomiting, diarrhoea, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and death in severe cases.
Dr. Idris emphasised that while vaccines and therapeutics exist for some strains, early detection, isolation, and supportive treatment remain the most effective ways to reduce deaths and control transmission.
He assured Nigerians that the NCDC will continue to monitor outbreaks across Africa, strengthen border checks, and provide regular updates. The agency is also managing other active outbreaks such as Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax.
