Following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has intensified surveillance at the country’s points of entry, including airports.
The agency also advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries.
In a public health advisory issued by the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the agency emphasised that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola in Nigeria.
Idris said, “There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group, continues these efforts, including the update of our EVD emergency contingency plan, heightened surveillance especially at the points of entry, and optimising diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories in cities with international airports of entry and the National Reference Laboratory.
“In addition, all Lassa Fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up testing if the need arises.”
In 2014, Nigeria experienced an Ebola outbreak, following the entry of an infected patients, Sawyer, from Liberia into the country.
Sawyer’s first contact, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, the Lead Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at First Consultants Medical Centre, Ikoyi, lost of her life but prevented the spread of the dreaded disease.
On January 30, 2025, Uganda confirmed an Ebola case caused by the Sudan virus species in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.
So far, only one case has been recorded, resulting in one fatality. Authorities are monitoring 44 identified contacts.
The NCDC noted that Uganda has significant experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks and has initiated necessary containment measures.
Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe and often fatal illness with a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%.
There are five distinct species of the virus: Bundibugyo, Zaire, Reston, Tai Forest, and Sudan. The Zaire strain is the deadliest and was responsible for the 2014–2016 West African outbreak, while the Sudan strain is behind the current outbreak in Uganda.
“The infection is transmitted from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with the body fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, urine, feces, sweat, breast milk, and semen of an infected person), contaminated objects, or infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, porcupines, and forest antelope,” the NCDC stated.
“The virus can also be transmitted through contact with wildlife and unsafe burial practices. The incubation period, i.e., from exposure to the development of signs and symptoms, ranges from 2-21 days. During an outbreak, those at risk of infection are health workers, family members, and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.”
“The initial symptoms of EVD include sudden onset of high fever, accompanied by other nonspecific signs and symptoms such as headache, body aches, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Jaundice (yellowing of the eye) may also occur. In severe cases, uncontrolled bleeding from orifices, dysfunction and/or failure of several body organs such as the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system may occur, progressing to shock and death.”
“In fatal cases, death often occurs between 8 and 9 days of the onset of symptoms.”
The NCDC has classified Nigeria’s risk level as moderate based on recent risk assessments and the recent Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda.
“A moderate risk classification indicates that EVD, without mitigation, is likely to occur in Nigeria, with the potential for significant public health consequences. So, we need to take the necessary precautions,” the NCDC warned.
Although vaccines and therapeutics exist for some Ebola strains, the approved vaccine for the Zaire strain is not currently available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan virus.
However, early detection, isolation, supportive treatment, infection prevention measures, contact tracing, and safe burial practices significantly reduce transmission and fatalities.
“Nigerians are therefore urged to adhere strictly to preventive measures such as practicing good hand hygiene – Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water or use hand sanitisers when soap and water are not readily available,” the NCDC advised.
“Nigerians are also advised to avoid physical contact with anyone who has symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis. Avoid the consumption of bush meat, particularly bats and non-human primates, which are known reservoirs of the Ebola virus. And if you have to, ensure that such is properly prepared and cooked before consumption.”
“Avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases. If you or someone you know (with a travel history to any country with Ebola cases) experiences symptoms of EVD enumerated above, call 6232 or your State Ministry of Health hotline for guidance.”
The NCDC urged healthcare workers to maintain heightened vigilance, ensure strict patient isolation, adhere to infection prevention protocols, and use appropriate protective equipment when managing suspected cases.
“In the management of a suspected or confirmed case of EVD: Ensure strict isolation of the patient. Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment like face masks, hand gloves, and appropriate gowns,” the advisory stated.
The NCDC pledged to continue strengthening nationwide surveillance, particularly at borders and airports, while keeping healthcare workers alert for potential cases.
The agency is also enhancing laboratory capacities for rapid testing and maintaining coordination with the World Health Organisation and the African Regional Health Authorities to monitor developments.
Although the WHO has not recommended travel restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC reiterated its advice for Nigerians to avoid all but essential travel to Ebola-affected countries.
“For those already in Nigeria but with recent travel history to or transit through countries with Ebola cases in the last 21 days who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising, they should adhere to the following guidelines: Promptly call 6232 or State Ministry of Health hotlines for assessment and testing, shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems (public or private) until health authorities reach out. Await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment center if required.”
For further information and emergency assistance, call the NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free line: 6232.
