As of September 6, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that no Ebola cases have been reported in Nigeria. This statement was part of a public health advisory issued in response to a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) caused by the Ebola Zaire strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, were reported in Kasai Province as of September 4, 2025.
Key Points:
- Current Status: The NCDC has heightened surveillance, particularly at borders and points of entry, to prevent the importation of Ebola. No cases have been detected in Nigeria, despite the high risk of importation due to regional travel.
- Preparedness Measures: The NCDC has implemented an incident action plan, activated its Incident Coordination Centre, and strengthened infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in healthcare facilities. Rapid Response Teams are on standby, and public health advisories urge strict hygiene, avoidance of contact with symptomatic individuals, and immediate reporting of suspected cases via the toll-free number 6232.
- Historical Context: Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014, with 20 confirmed cases and 8 deaths, largely due to rapid contact tracing and isolation led by Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh. This experience, along with improvements during the COVID-19 pandemic, bolsters Nigeria’s capacity to respond to potential outbreaks.
- Public Health Advice: Nigerians are advised to maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with wildlife or raw bushmeat, and report symptoms like fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding, especially for travelers from affected areas within the last 21 days.
Critical Perspective:
While Nigeria’s proactive measures are commendable, the high risk of importation due to air travel and regional connectivity (e.g., through hubs like Nairobi) underscores the need for sustained vigilance. The absence of a licensed vaccine for the Sudan Ebola strain, unlike the Ervebo vaccine for the Zaire strain, could complicate responses if a different strain emerges. Additionally, public health communication must counter misinformation, as seen during the 2014 outbreak when salt water consumption rumors led to hospitalizations.
Conclusion:
Nigeria remains Ebola-free as of the latest reports, with robust preventive measures in place. The NCDC’s swift response and historical success in 2014 provide confidence, but ongoing monitoring and public awareness are critical to maintaining this status. For further updates, contact the NCDC via 6232 or check their official website. If you have specific concerns or need guidance on local resources, please provide more details, and I can tailor the response further.