The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has put the country on high alert and strengthened surveillance measures following the continued spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This move aims to prevent the possible importation and spread of the disease in Nigeria. The NCDC has introduced enhanced surveillance and follow-up measures for travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission.
As part of the new measures, travellers arriving from countries with active Ebola transmission may be required to complete a Health Declaration Form. This form collects information including travellers' countries visited in the previous 21 days, travel routes, destination in Nigeria, and health symptoms. The NCDC's online form also provides for 21-day post-arrival follow-up by state surveillance teams. Passengers arriving from other countries are currently exempt from completing the form.
The NCDC's decision to strengthen surveillance measures follows a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The agency's Director-General, Jide Idris, signed an interim public health advisory on 22 September, outlining the new measures. The NCDC has assured that it will continue to review its measures in line with the evolving outbreak and public health risk assessment.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to expand, with the latest WHO epidemiological update reporting 7,773 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,759 deaths as of 21 September 2026. The case fatality ratio stands at 48 per cent, and the outbreak has now spread to 63 health zones across seven provinces. The DRC's Ituri region remains the principal focus of the outbreak, with concerns about further spread towards international borders.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms consistent with Ebola, and to seek medical attention promptly where symptoms occur. The agency has also advised people to disclose relevant travel or exposure history to health workers where applicable. This advice aims to ensure early detection and response to potential Ebola cases in Nigeria.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has expressed concern about the possibility of Ebola spreading beyond the DRC. On 22 September, the IOM announced that it was expanding disease surveillance and preparedness along major travel routes, including river corridors and border areas. The IOM has supported more than 33 million health screenings across the region to combat the outbreak.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. The outbreak has been complicated by insecurity, population displacement, and difficulties accessing affected communities. The NCDC has stated that its current measures are precautionary and focused on strengthening surveillance and preparedness against the possible importation and spread of the disease.
Key points
- Nigeria has strengthened surveillance measures for travellers arriving from countries with active Ebola transmission.
- The DRC's Ebola outbreak has recorded 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths as of 21 September 2026.
- The NCDC continues to review its measures in line with the evolving outbreak and public health risk assessment.
