By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance and commenced a review of Nigeria’s preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported Ebola disease case in Kenya.
The Kenyan government confirmed the case on October 6, 2026, saying it was caused by the Bundibugyo virus and linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, the agency said the case had raised concerns about the risk of international importation through travel and population movement, including into Nigeria.
The confirmed case involved a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda, and later flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus.
The patient subsequently died, while Kenyan health authorities commenced contact tracing and other response measures.
The NCDC, however, stressed that Nigeria had no confirmed case of Ebola disease as of October 6.
The agency said it had been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments and other stakeholders, had strengthened the country’s preparedness.
The measures include early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and the protection of healthcare workers.
The agency also said it had conducted a National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise to test response arrangements and identify gaps requiring attention.
Following the confirmation of the case in Kenya, the NCDC said it was reviewing the risk to Nigeria and existing preparedness measures to ensure they remained appropriate to the evolving situation.
It said the measures would be strengthened and adapted where necessary in collaboration with relevant national and subnational authorities and partners.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, advising the public to practise regular hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of people who are ill, particularly those showing symptoms suggestive of Ebola.
It also advised against contact with the bodies of people who have died from unknown illnesses, as well as handling sick or dead wild animals and consuming raw or improperly prepared bushmeat.
The NCDC urged anyone who becomes unwell, particularly after recent travel to an affected area or contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case, to seek prompt medical attention at a recognised health facility.
It further advised members of the public to provide healthcare workers with accurate information about recent travel and possible exposure and rely on information from official public health authorities.
Healthcare workers were urged to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with compatible symptoms and a history of travel to an affected country or area, or other relevant exposure, within the preceding 21 days.
The agency warned that healthcare workers should not wait for bleeding before considering Ebola in patients with compatible symptoms and relevant exposure history, noting that early symptoms can resemble those of other common febrile illnesses.
Healthcare workers were advised to immediately isolate suspected cases, apply appropriate infection prevention measures, use the required personal protective equipment and notify public health authorities through established surveillance channels.
Travellers to and from affected areas were also advised to remain vigilant, familiarise themselves with Ebola symptoms and monitor their health for 21 days after leaving an affected area, particularly where there may have been exposure to a suspected or confirmed case.
The NCDC said it would continue monitoring developments in Kenya, the DRC and other affected countries while working with national, regional and international partners to assess the implications for Nigeria and strengthen preparedness.
The agency urged state governments, healthcare workers and the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing preparedness efforts, stressing that Nigeria’s previous experience with Ebola demonstrated the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing further transmission.
