The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert following a fresh outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, the outbreak has already claimed 15 lives, including four health workers, in Kasai Province.
He revealed that the DRC Ministry of Health recorded 28 suspected cases as of September 4, 2025.
The outbreak is concentrated in Bulape and Mweka health zones, where patients are presenting symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding.
Laboratory tests conducted at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause.
Idris explained that the mortality rate of the outbreak is currently estimated at 57%, though investigations are ongoing.
He stressed that while there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria, surveillance has been intensified across entry points, healthcare facilities, and communities.
Nigeria on High Alert
Idris assured Nigerians that the NCDC is working with partners to strengthen early detection and response. “We will continue to monitor the regional and global situations. There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now,” he said.
The NCDC reminded Nigerians that the Ebola Zaire strain has an approved vaccine, Ervebo, which has proven effective in preventing infection.
Preventive Measures for Nigerians
The agency urged citizens to maintain strict hygiene and avoid unnecessary travel to countries battling the virus. Key advice includes:
Wash hands regularly with soap under running water or use hand sanitizers.
Avoid direct contact with blood, vomit, urine, or other body fluids of suspected Ebola patients.
Avoid bushmeat and contact with fruit bats or primates, which can carry the virus.
Report any suspected symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding to the NCDC toll-free number 6232 or state health hotlines.
Advice to Healthcare Workers
NCDC directed hospitals nationwide to maintain strict infection prevention protocols.
All suspected Ebola patients should be isolated immediately, with staff required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns.
Travel Advisory
Nigerians are advised to avoid non-essential travel to DRC and other affected countries.
Anyone returning from those areas with symptoms must immediately contact health authorities and avoid using public transport until cleared.
Background
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often deadly illness with a fatality rate of between 25% and 90%. It spreads through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated body fluids.
Since 2014, Nigeria has remained free of Ebola after successfully containing an outbreak that year.
Authorities now hope heightened surveillance will prevent any re-entry of the virus.
