After Kenya confirmed an imported Ebola disease case on October 6, 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has begun reviewing the risk to Nigeria.
The Centre will determine whether existing measures remain appropriate to the evolving regional situation and whether they need to be adapted or strengthened.
NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, noting that Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case yet.
“As a result of this latest development, NCDC is reviewing the risk to Nigeria and existing preparedness measures to ensure that they remain appropriate to the evolving situation,” he said in a statement obtained by PerSecondNews on Wednesday.
The Centre’s preparedness efforts involve the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments, other stakeholders and partners, covering detection, isolation, diagnosis and response.
“These efforts have focused on early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and protection of healthcare workers,” he stated.
A National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise was also conducted to test response arrangements and identify gaps requiring attention.
The agency called on the public to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with blood or body fluids and seek prompt care after possible exposure.
It also advised people to provide healthcare workers with accurate recent travel information and disclose any possible contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case.
“Do not wait for bleeding before considering Ebola disease in a patient with compatible symptoms and relevant epidemiological history.”
Healthcare workers were advised to immediately isolate suspected cases, apply appropriate precautions, use required personal protective equipment and notify public health authorities through established surveillance channels.
The NCDC said healthcare workers should maintain the required precautions until the patient is safely handed over to the designated public health team.
“NCDC urges State Governments, healthcare workers and the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing preparedness efforts, in order to ultimately make the country a safer space.”
Travellers from affected areas were advised to remain vigilant, know the symptoms and monitor their health for 21 days after leaving an affected area, particularly where exposure was possible.
They were also advised to avoid unnecessary contact and immediately seek care or contact public health authorities if symptoms develop, while clearly disclosing their travel and possible exposure history.
The NCDC said it would continue monitoring developments in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected countries while working with national, regional and international partners.
The agency explained that the collaboration would help assess the implications of the evolving regional situation and strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness where necessary.
The agency recalled Nigeria’s Ebola experience, highlighting the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing onward transmission.
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