The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has stepped up monitoring and response measures nationwide following the resurgence of Ebola in parts of Central Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and a linked case recently recorded in Uganda.
The agency’s Director-General, Jide Idris, reassured Nigerians on Sunday, May 17, that there is no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease within the country.
“Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease,” Idris said in a public health advisory issued on Sunday.
He explained that authorities in affected countries are already implementing emergency health measures with support from global partners to contain the outbreak.
These include intensified disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention protocols, case management, contact tracing, and risk communication strategies.
Idris noted that Nigeria remains on alert due to increased movement across African borders, adding that the agency is working closely with relevant institutions, including Port Health Services under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to reinforce preparedness.
“NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant stakeholders, including the Port Health Services, to ensure continued vigilance and preparedness within the public health system,” he stated.
He described Ebola as a highly dangerous viral illness spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials, warning that symptoms may take between two and 21 days to appear.
According to him, common symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
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The NCDC boss added that surveillance systems for Ebola and other infectious diseases remain active across the country, alongside intensified public awareness campaigns.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid misinformation.
“Members of the public should remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation,” he said.
The agency also advised the public to maintain strict hygiene practices, avoid contact with potentially infected persons or animals, and promptly report any unusual symptoms to health authorities.
Healthcare workers were equally advised to stay vigilant, especially when dealing with patients showing symptoms consistent with Ebola and with possible exposure history.
Idris emphasised the importance of adhering to infection control procedures, including early detection, isolation of suspected cases, proper use of protective gear, and timely reporting.
“NCDC will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary,” he added.
Nigeria’s current preparedness builds on its successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, when swift public health interventions helped stop the spread after an imported case was recorded in Lagos.
The experience has since strengthened the country’s surveillance systems and emergency response capacity.