The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured the public that there are no reported cases of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country, following an outbreak of the Sudan strain in Uganda. The Ministry of Health in Uganda confirmed the outbreak on January 30, 2025, in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City, with one confirmed case and one death. Authorities are currently monitoring 44 contacts.
Given the potential public health implications, the NCDC has heightened surveillance and preparedness efforts to prevent any possible importation of the virus into Nigeria. Measures include updating the EVD emergency contingency plan, strengthening monitoring at entry points, and optimizing diagnostic capabilities in designated laboratories across cities with international airports.
EVD, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe and often fatal illness with a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. It spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials. Animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys serve as reservoirs for the virus.
Symptoms of EVD include sudden high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and in severe cases, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and death. Fatal cases typically occur within eight to nine days of symptom onset.
To mitigate the risk of an outbreak, the NCDC advises the public to adhere to strict preventive measures, including practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using sanitizers, avoiding contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of infectious diseases, refraining from consuming bush meat, particularly bats and primates, unless properly cooked, steering clear of bodily fluids from suspected or confirmed Ebola cases, and reporting suspected symptoms, especially after travel to affected regions, by calling 6232 or the State Ministry of Health hotline.
Healthcare professionals are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance when treating patients. Suspected EVD cases should be strictly isolated, and healthcare workers should adhere to infection prevention and control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Suspected cases must be reported immediately to health authorities.
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, the NCDC strongly advises Nigerians to avoid all non-essential travel to Uganda and other affected countries. Those returning from these regions within the past 21 days and experiencing symptoms should promptly seek medical attention and self-isolate to prevent potential spread.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, stated, “We are actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to protect Nigerians. Our enhanced surveillance and rapid response measures at borders and airports are designed to ensure early detection and containment.”
The NCDC reassures the public that it is working in collaboration with global health partners to contain any potential risks and will continue to provide updates as necessary
