The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following confirmation of a fresh outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the DRC’s Ministry of Health, as of September 4, 2025, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths – including four health workers – have been recorded in Kasai Province. The outbreak, traced to the Ebola Zaire strain, has spread across Bulape and Mweka health zones. Patients have presented with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage, with a fatality rate currently at 57%.
In response, Congolese authorities have activated their Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, deployed a rapid response team, and partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen surveillance, diagnostics, and case management. The approved vaccine Ervebo remains available to curb further spread.
No Case Reported in Nigeria
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC confirmed that there is no Ebola case in Nigeria. The agency said surveillance has been intensified at borders and points of entry, while health facilities are being supported with infection prevention and control measures.
“Our risk communication and community engagement structures have been activated to provide timely and accurate information, and to counter misinformation,” the statement read.
Preventive Guidelines for Citizens
The NCDC urged Nigerians to:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers.
- Avoid contact with persons showing unexplained symptoms of illness.
- Refrain from consuming raw or undercooked bushmeat, and avoid direct contact with fruit bats and primates.
- Stay away from the blood or body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients.
- Report symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding in anyone with recent travel history to affected areas by calling 6232 or state health hotlines.
Advisory to Healthcare Workers
Health professionals have been advised to maintain high vigilance, strictly follow infection prevention and control protocols, and report suspected cases immediately to the NCDC or State Ministries of Health.
Travel Advisory
Nigerians have been cautioned against non-essential travel to countries battling Ebola outbreaks. Travellers from affected countries who develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival are urged to self-isolate and contact health authorities without delay.
Meanwhile, the NCDC said it continues to respond to other public health challenges in Nigeria, including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax, and promised to keep the public updated on developments.
