The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against Ebola, saying the country is yet to receive clearance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) following the confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, gave the warning on Tuesday while providing an update on the country’s response to the case involving a traveller from Uganda.
Idris disclosed that although no new cases had been reported, 28 contacts linked to the confirmed case were still being monitored, while 34 others had completed their mandatory 21-day follow-up period as of 9 November 2026.
He explained that the monitoring period applies individually to each contact, stressing that the completion of the 21 days by some contacts does not automatically mean Nigeria is free of the disease.
“Although we don’t have any new cases, we still have to be vigilant. We are still not Ebola-free,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria can only be declared free of the disease after the required monitoring period has been completed and the WHO has been involved in the assessment.
He added that the NCDC was sustaining contact tracing, investigation of reported alerts, laboratory testing and surveillance at points of entry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCT Administration, state governments and development partners.
Idris recalled that suspected cases reported in Adamawa, Rivers and Borno states had all tested negative following investigations.
He said surveillance activities were ongoing nationwide, covering airports and land borders, to ensure that suspected infections were detected and addressed promptly.
The NCDC boss also clarified that being identified as a contact does not mean an individual has contracted Ebola, explaining that the monitoring exercise is designed to identify symptoms early and ensure an appropriate public health response.
The agency urged healthcare workers in public and private health facilities to remain alert, establish patients’ travel and exposure histories, observe infection prevention and control measures, and promptly report suspected cases to public health authorities.
It also advised anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to Ebola to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free emergency line, 6232, for guidance before visiting a health facility.
Beyond the Ebola response, the NCDC raised concerns over other infectious diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, diphtheria, cerebrospinal meningitis and Lassa fever.
The agency confirmed cases of dengue fever in Sokoto and Zamfara states, as well as chikungunya infections in Sokoto State.
To support the affected states, the NCDC said it had deployed national rapid response teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu.
The teams are supporting case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control activities.
Idris warned Nigerians against assuming that every fever is malaria, noting that dengue and chikungunya can also cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.
He identified severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and difficulty breathing as possible warning signs of serious dengue complications that require urgent medical attention.
The agency also called on states within Nigeria’s meningitis belt to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnostic services, clinical preparedness and vaccination efforts as the dry season approaches.
On diphtheria, the NCDC described the disease as a continuing public health concern, particularly among children who have missed routine immunisation.
It therefore urged parents and caregivers to verify their children’s vaccination status and seek guidance from health authorities on completing any missed doses.
(Channels Tv)
