NCDC Raises Ebola Alert As Uganda Confirms Imported Case Linked To DRC Outbreak
•By Admin
ABUJA — THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures across the country following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a confirmed imported case in Uganda linked to the outbreak.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, however assured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.
In a public health advisory issued on May 17, 2026, the agency said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Port Health Service under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to ensure vigilance within Nigeria’s public health system.
According to the NCDC, response activities are ongoing in affected areas of the DRC and Uganda, with health authorities in both countries implementing emergency public health measures such as enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, contact tracing, and risk communication.
The agency described Ebola Virus Disease as a severe viral illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, secretions, or contaminated materials of infected persons or animals.
It noted that the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, while symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
The NCDC said it had sustained surveillance systems for Ebola and other epidemic-prone diseases, while also intensifying event-based surveillance and monitoring nationwide. Other measures being implemented include strengthening laboratory and diagnostic readiness, reinforcing infection prevention and control awareness in healthcare settings, and expanding community engagement activities.
The agency advised Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation, while urging the public to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources.
Citizens were also encouraged to promptly report unusual illnesses to the nearest health facility and rely only on updates from official public health authorities.
Healthcare workers were equally urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for Ebola in patients presenting symptoms alongside relevant travel or exposure history.
The NCDC further advised healthcare personnel to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures, including early identification and isolation of suspected cases, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and prompt reporting of suspected cases through established channels.
The agency assured Nigerians that it would continue to monitor the regional outbreak closely and provide updates when necessary.