The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
The NCDC director-general, Dr. Jide Idris disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Abuja over the weekend.
Ebola Virus Disease is a rare but severe illness caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus. First identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has since led to multiple outbreaks across Africa.
The virus spreads to humans through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelopes and porcupines. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, including bedding and clothing. Healthcare workers and family members are particularly at risk when caring for infected patients without proper protective measures.
Idris stated that although Nigeria has no reported cases of Ebola, the NCDC, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has activated heightened surveillance measures to prevent the importation of the virus.
He explained that the outbreak in Uganda, caused by the ‘Sudan strain’ of the virus, was confirmed by the country’s Ministry of Health on January 30, 2025. The outbreak has resulted in one reported case and one death in Wakiso, Mukono and Mbale City in Mbale District, with 44 contacts currently being traced to curb further spread.
In response to the development, the NCDC has updated its EVD emergency contingency plan, increased screening at points of entry (particularly at international airports), optimised diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories, mobilised Lassa fever testing laboratories and (which can be scaled up for Ebola testing if necessary).
Dr. Idris assured Nigerians that proactive steps were being taken to mitigate the risk of an outbreak.
“While there is no immediate cause for panic, we must remain vigilant. The ‘Sudan strain’ of Ebola has no approved vaccine, making early detection and containment critical,” he emphasised.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive measures:
Practice good hand hygiene – Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers; Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomitting and unexplained bleeding; Refrain from consuming ‘bushmeat’, particularly bats and primates and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after traveling to an affected country.
Additionally, health workers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE) and immediately report suspected cases.
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, Idris urged Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
“Travellers returning from affected countries in the last 21 days who develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding should immediately call the NCDC toll-free number (6232) or contact their State Ministry of Health hotline,” he advised.
Beyond Ebola, Nigeria is currently dealing with outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles and anthrax. Idris reaffirmed the NCDC’s commitment to strengthening surveillance and response efforts nationwide.
“Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and follow official updates from the NCDC hotline (6232), social media platforms (@NCDCgov), and the official website,” he added.
Ebola has an incubation period of 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.
As the disease progresses, infected individuals may experience vomitting and diarrhea, rashes, impaired kidney and liver function, as well as internal and external bleeding in severe cases.
Laboratory findings often reveal low white blood cell and platelet counts, as well as elevated liver enzymes.
The disease is highly fatal, with case fatality rates ranging from 25 per cent to 90 per cent, depending on factors such as the virus strain and response effectiveness. On average, the fatality rate is around 50 per cent.
Effective outbreak control relies on multiple strategies, including case management, surveillance and contact tracing, good laboratory services, safe burials, social mobilisation and community engagement
Community involvement is crucial to successfully controlling outbreaks. Raising awareness about risk factors and protective measures, such as proper hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and following safe burial practices, is essential.
Currently, there is an FDA-approved vaccine for the Zaire strain of Ebola. However, vaccines for other strains, including the ‘Sudan strain’, remain under development.
Supportive care – such as rehydration through oral or intravenous fluids and symptom management – can improve survival rates. Additionally, a range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies, are under evaluation.
With Uganda battling an active Ebola outbreak, the NCDC’s proactive measures aim to prevent its spread into Nigeria. Nigerians are advised to stay informed, follow preventive measures, and report any suspected cases immediately. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely, working with global and regional health authorities to ensure a swift and effective response.
