The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says no new Ebola case has been recorded in the country since the first imported infection was confirmed on October 20, 2026.
However, 28 people who had contact with the infected traveller are still being monitored.
The agency said 34 of the 62 identified contacts had completed their individual 21-day monitoring period as of November 9, while the remaining 28 were still under follow-up.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, gave the update on Tuesday, three weeks after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in a traveller from Uganda.
Idris said the agency was continuing contact tracing, investigating reported alerts, conducting laboratory tests and strengthening surveillance at the country’s points of entry.
He said these activities were being carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, state authorities and development partners.
The NCDC chief warned Nigerians against assuming that the 21 days since the first case was confirmed represented the monitoring period for all identified contacts.
He explained that each contact has a separate 21-day monitoring period, which begins from the date of their last exposure to the infected person.
Idris also clarified that being identified as a contact does not mean that someone has contracted Ebola.
He said the monitoring process was designed to ensure that anyone who develops symptoms is identified early and receives the necessary medical attention.
The agency urged healthcare workers in public and private health facilities to remain alert, obtain patients’ travel and exposure histories, maintain infection prevention and control measures, and promptly report suspected cases to public health authorities.
It also advised anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to Ebola to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before visiting a health facility.
Beyond the Ebola response, the NCDC expressed concern over other infectious diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, diphtheria, cerebrospinal meningitis and Lassa fever.
The agency confirmed dengue fever cases in Sokoto and Zamfara states, as well as chikungunya cases in Sokoto State.
To support the affected states, it said national rapid response teams had been deployed, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu.
The teams are assisting with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control.
Idris warned Nigerians against assuming that every fever is malaria, explaining that dengue and chikungunya can also cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.
He identified severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and difficulty breathing as possible warning signs of serious dengue complications, urging anyone experiencing such symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.
The NCDC also called on states within the meningitis belt to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnostic services, clinical preparedness and vaccination efforts as the dry season approaches.
On diphtheria, the agency said the disease remained a major concern, particularly among children who had missed routine immunisation.
It urged parents and caregivers to check their children’s vaccination records and seek guidance from health workers on completing any missed doses.
