The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised a nationwide health alert following an outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed on Saturday that although no cases have been recorded in Nigeria, surveillance has been heightened across borders, airports, and health facilities to prevent importation.
According to reports from the DRC’s Minister of Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, the outbreak has been confirmed in the Kasai Province, with 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four healthcare workers, as of September 4, 2025.
Samples tested at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa identified the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause. The mortality rate is currently estimated at 57%.
🔬 Outbreak Situation in DRC
The disease is concentrated in Bulape and Mweka health zones, with symptoms including fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and haemorrhage. The DRC government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed a rapid response team with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
🛡️ Nigeria on High Alert
Dr. Idris assured that while Nigeria remains Ebola-free, measures are in place to block possible transmission routes. These include:
- Heightened surveillance at entry points.
- Strengthening infection prevention and control measures in hospitals.
- Community engagement to counter misinformation.
He reminded Nigerians that the Ervebo vaccine, approved against the Ebola Zaire strain, is effective and available for outbreak control.
⚠️ Advice to Nigerians
The NCDC urged citizens to:
- Maintain strict hand hygiene.
- Avoid physical contact with anyone showing unexplained fever, vomiting, or bleeding.
- Stay away from bushmeat and unprotected contact with wild animals.
- Immediately report suspected cases via 6232 or state hotlines.
Healthcare workers have been advised to adopt strict infection control protocols, including isolation, PPE usage, and immediate reporting of suspected cases.
✈️ Travel Advisory
Nigerians are strongly discouraged from non-essential travel to countries with active Ebola outbreaks. Travelers returning from affected regions who develop symptoms must self-isolate and contact health authorities immediately.
Despite this outbreak, the NCDC assured Nigerians of its preparedness and continuous collaboration with the WHO and African regional health authorities to safeguard public health.
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