Nigeria’s disease control agency has confirmed no Ebola cases despite a new outbreak in Congo.
The NCDC says surveillance has been strengthened nationwide while hospitals receive tighter infection control support.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured the public that the country has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), even as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) battles a fresh outbreak.
The update came on Saturday through a public health advisory following confirmation of Ebola cases in Kasai Province, DRC. Authorities in the central African country reported 28 suspected infections and 15 deaths, including four health workers. Laboratory checks in Kinshasa identified the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause of the outbreak.
While stressing that Nigeria remains free of the disease, the NCDC explained that it has intensified surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders. The agency also disclosed that hospitals nationwide are being strengthened to improve infection prevention and control.
According to the advisory, “early recognition, isolation of patients, and supportive treatment reduce the risk of death.” The NCDC encouraged Nigerians to keep proper hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with individuals who develop fever, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding, and to stay away from raw bushmeat or wild animals.
Health professionals across the country were reminded to remain alert, observe strict infection control protocols, and report any suspected cases without delay. The NCDC also drew attention to the existence of an approved vaccine, Ervebo, which is being used in response efforts in the DRC, with support from the World Health Organization.
The Centre further advised Nigerians to suspend non-essential travel to countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks. Travellers entering Nigeria from affected areas who develop symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or bleeding within 21 days of arrival are urged to call the agency’s toll-free line, 6232, for assessment.
Nigeria is currently tackling several other public health challenges, including Lassa fever, diphtheria, meningitis, measles, and anthrax. Despite these concerns, the NCDC assured that it is closely following both regional and global developments on Ebola and will continue to release timely updates to safeguard public health.
