Nigeria on High Alert as WHO Declares Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak

Nigeria has intensified disease surveillance and emergency preparedness following a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has killed at least 88 people and spread into neighbouring Uganda.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says no case of Ebola Virus Disease has been confirmed in Nigeria, but authorities are taking preventive measures as the outbreak raises concern across the region.

In a statement on Sunday, NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said the agency is strengthening surveillance systems, improving laboratory readiness and expanding infection prevention and public awareness efforts nationwide.

The heightened response comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The outbreak, centred in eastern Congo’s Ituri Province, involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a variant with no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Health officials say about 246 suspected cases have been recorded in the affected areas, while confirmed infections have now reached Uganda and Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, raising fears of wider transmission.

Despite declaring an international emergency, the WHO stopped short of classifying the outbreak as a pandemic and advised countries against closing borders or imposing trade restrictions.

The organisation said eight laboratory-confirmed infections have been identified across three health zones in Ituri, including Bunia and the mining communities of Mongwalu and Rwampara.

A confirmed case has also been reported in Kinshasa involving a traveller returning from Ituri, while Uganda has recorded two confirmed infections, including a 59-year-old man who died after testing positive.

Reacting to the development, Idris said Nigeria is closely watching events, particularly because of cross-border travel and movement within Africa.

“NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant stakeholders, including Port Health Services, to ensure continued vigilance and preparedness within the public health system,” he said.

He explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids and contaminated materials of infected persons or animals.

The disease typically incubates between two and 21 days, with symptoms beginning as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and sore throat before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

Healthcare workers have been urged to remain alert, especially when treating patients with compatible symptoms and recent travel or exposure history.

The NCDC also stressed the need for strict infection prevention measures, including early detection and isolation of suspected cases, proper use of protective equipment, hand hygiene and prompt reporting.

While urging Nigerians not to panic, the agency advised the public to maintain proper hygiene, avoid misinformation and report unusual illnesses immediately.

Nigeria’s vigilance is shaped by experience. In 2014, the country won global praise after successfully containing an Ebola outbreak triggered by an infected traveller from Liberia, preventing what many feared could become a nationwide crisis.

Health authorities say that hard-earned lesson remains central to Nigeria’s preparedness today.