Following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has ramped up surveillance at key entry points into the country, including airports. The NCDC has also advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.

In an official public health advisory, Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, reassured the public that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola in Nigeria. He emphasized that, despite this, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to safeguard public health.

“There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. However, the NCDC, in collaboration with relevant agencies and partners, continues to monitor and update our emergency contingency plans, heighten surveillance at entry points, and improve diagnostic capacities in laboratories,” Idris said.

The advisory also highlighted that all Lassa Fever testing laboratories can be activated to assist in scaling up testing if necessary.

The outbreak in Uganda, confirmed on January 30, 2025, is caused by the Sudan virus species, which has so far resulted in one confirmed case and one fatality. Authorities are closely monitoring 44 identified contacts.

Ebola, known for its severe and often fatal nature, has a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids from an infected person, contaminated objects, or wildlife such as bats and primates.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to adhere to preventive measures such as regular hand washing, avoiding physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of unknown infections, and steering clear of bush meat, particularly bats and non-human primates, which are known Ebola reservoirs.

The agency also advised anyone experiencing symptoms of EVD, especially with recent travel history to affected countries, to call 6232 or their local health hotline for guidance.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC has reiterated its caution for Nigerians to avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions.

The NCDC continues to work closely with the WHO and African regional health authorities to monitor the situation and ensure the readiness of Nigeria’s health infrastructure to respond to any potential cases of Ebola.