By John Umeh
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that there are currently no cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.
The health agency issued this clarification on September 6, following reports of a fresh outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the DRC’s Ministry of Health, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths — including four healthcare workers — have been recorded in Kasai Province as of September 4, 2025. Laboratory results later confirmed the Ebola Zaire strain as the source of the outbreak.
In response, the NCDC announced that surveillance across Nigeria has been intensified, particularly at borders and entry points, while hospitals and health facilities nationwide are being equipped to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The agency emphasized the importance of early detection, patient isolation, and prompt supportive care to reduce fatalities. It also advised the public to practice proper hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with anyone displaying symptoms such as fever, unexplained bleeding, or diarrhoea, and to refrain from handling raw bushmeat or wildlife.
Health workers have been cautioned to maintain a high level of vigilance, strictly follow infection prevention protocols, and report any suspected cases without delay.
Meanwhile, the NCDC highlighted that an effective vaccine, Ervebo, exists for the Ebola Zaire strain and noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has already deployed rapid response teams to the affected areas in the DRC.
Travellers were further advised to avoid unnecessary visits to countries with confirmed Ebola outbreaks. Nigerians returning from such countries within the past 21 days who develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding are urged to call the NCDC’s toll-free line, 6232, for immediate medical attention.
This reminder comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s first encounter with Ebola in August 2014, when the country recorded several fatalities, including frontline medical workers such as Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh and nurse Justina Ejelonu, following the arrival of the index case, Patrick Sawyer, from Liberia. By October 20, 2014, however, the WHO officially declared Nigeria Ebola-free, citing its swift and effective response.
