The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has increased vigilance following Kenya's confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BVD) case. The case involved a Kenyan citizen living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who travelled to Kampala, Uganda, and then to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive. The patient subsequently died, and Kenyan health authorities began contact tracing and response measures.
According to NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, the development underscores the risk of international disease importation through travel and population movement, including the possibility of transmission into Nigeria. As of October 6, there was no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria, and NCDC continued to monitor developments in Kenya, the DRC, and other affected countries.
The NCDC is reviewing Nigeria's risk assessment and existing preparedness measures following the Kenyan case, with plans to strengthen interventions according to the evolving regional situation. Since the outbreak was reported in the DRC, NCDC, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, State Governments, and partners have strengthened national Ebola preparedness measures.
These measures include early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication, and protection of healthcare workers across the country. The NCDC also conducted a National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise to test existing response arrangements, assess readiness, and identify gaps requiring further attention.
Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, and avoid direct contact with blood or body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola disease. He also advised the public to avoid contact with bodies of people who died from unknown illnesses, sick or dead wild animals, and raw or improperly prepared bushmeat.
The director-general advised anyone who becomes unwell, particularly after travelling to an affected area or contacting a suspected case, to promptly seek care at a recognised health facility. He also advised Nigerians to provide healthcare workers with accurate travel and exposure histories and rely on information from NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other official sources.
The NCDC will continue working with national, regional, and international partners to assess implications for Nigeria, strengthen preparedness, and provide further updates as the regional situation evolves. Dr. Idris directed healthcare workers managing suspected cases to immediately isolate patients, apply appropriate precautions and personal protective equipment, and notify public health authorities through established surveillance channels.
Key points
- NCDC heightens vigilance after Kenya confirms imported Ebola case linked to DRC outbreak
- No confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria as of October 6
- NCDC urges Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, and avoid direct contact with suspected Ebola cases
