The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance at the country's airports, seaports, and land borders due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move is part of Nigeria's "high alert" response to minimize the risk of importing the virus. The NCDC, under the leadership of Director-General Jide Idris, is strengthening preparedness and response measures.
As part of these measures, travelers arriving from countries with active Ebola transmission are required to complete the Nigeria Health Declaration Form. This form collects travel, health, symptom, and possible exposure information to support surveillance and follow-up. The NCDC has exempted passengers from other countries from completing the form at this time. The latest advisory follows a risk assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, continues to spread. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of September 20, the DRC had recorded 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 related deaths. Ituri Province remains the epicenter, with 5,913 confirmed cases and 2,703 deaths across 28 health zones. The ECDC reported 58 additional confirmed cases and 23 deaths in the latest reporting period.
The international community is supporting efforts to contain the outbreak. The ECDC announced on September 21 that it would deploy two epidemiologists to the DRC to strengthen surveillance and support the outbreak response. Nigeria had previously assessed the risk of Ebola importation as high in May following the emergence of the Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of ebolavirus. There are currently no licensed vaccines, post-exposure prophylaxis, or specific treatments for the disease caused by this virus. Surveillance, early identification, isolation, contact tracing, and infection prevention are crucial in controlling the spread.
The NCDC urges Nigerians to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly after possible exposure or travel to affected areas. The Centre also advises people who become ill after traveling to affected areas or having possible exposure to provide healthcare workers with relevant travel and exposure information.
The NCDC's preparedness measures will be continuously reviewed as the epidemiological situation evolves. The enhanced surveillance aims to detect and respond to any potential imported case early, particularly given the volume of movement between Nigeria and other African countries. Nigeria has no confirmed case linked to the 2026 Bundibugyo outbreak, according to the NCDC's May advisory.
Key points
- The NCDC has stepped up surveillance at Nigeria's borders to prevent the importation of the Ebola virus from the DRC.
- The DRC has recorded 7,672 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20.
- There are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus, making surveillance and early identification crucial in controlling the spread.
