The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated comprehensive plans to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the country following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
In a public health advisory released on Saturday, the NCDC stated that it is collaborating with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and development partners to monitor the situation and bolster Nigeria’s preparedness.
Key measures, including enhanced surveillance at the country’s borders and other points of entry, have been implemented to enable early detection of any potential cases.
The advisory, signed by NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, emphasized that although there are currently no reported Ebola cases in Nigeria, the agency is reinforcing infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across healthcare facilities nationwide to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
“There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria at the moment. However, we are actively monitoring the situation and strengthening our preparedness,” the statement noted.
In addition, the NCDC has activated its risk communication and community engagement systems to deliver timely, accurate information to the public while addressing misinformation, rumours, and public perceptions.
Ongoing efforts include:
- Intensified surveillance at borders and entry points,
- Strengthened IPC measures in hospitals and clinics,
- Deployment of risk communication teams nationwide.
The NCDC noted that while vaccines and treatments exist for some strains of the Ebola virus, early detection, isolation of patients, and supportive treatment remain critical in reducing illness severity and death rates.
The agency also stressed the importance of:
- Proper contact tracing,
- Safe burial practices,
- Adherence to hygiene protocols both at home and in healthcare settings.
To reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission, Nigerians are advised to:
- Avoid contact with fruit bats, monkeys, apes, and other wild animals,
- Refrain from consuming raw or undercooked bush meat,
- Use protective clothing and gloves when handling animals,
- Thoroughly cook all animal products before consumption.
The NCDC also cautioned against direct contact with the blood, saliva, urine, vomit, or other body fluids of individuals suspected or confirmed to have Ebola.
Anyone showing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding—especially after travel to or from affected countries—is urged to call the NCDC’s toll-free line 6232 or contact their state Ministry of Health immediately.
Travel advisories have also been issued, urging Nigerians to avoid all non-essential travel to countries currently experiencing Ebola outbreaks. Those already in Nigeria who have recently traveled through such countries are advised to remain alert for symptoms and report immediately if any arise.
“We are reinforcing surveillance at all points of entry, increasing laboratory testing capacity, and coordinating closely with the World Health Organization and regional health bodies,” the NCDC stated.
The agency also highlighted ongoing efforts to manage other disease outbreaks across Nigeria, including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, mpox, measles, and anthrax.
