Ebola Outbreak NCDC Places Nigeria On High Alert
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Nigeria on high alert following an update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, disclosed this in a health advisory, saying the country was strengthening its preparedness and response measures against any potential threat from the outbreak.
Idris said the measures would be reviewed continuously in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.
As part of enhanced surveillance, the NCDC advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form and comply with follow-up measures.
“Passengers from all other countries are exempted from completing the form at this time,” the advisory stated.
The agency also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant for symptoms associated with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly where necessary.
It advised members of the public to provide relevant travel or exposure history to health officials where applicable.
According to the NCDC, the advisory followed a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to public health threats.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had recorded 7,672 confirmed Ebola cases, including 3,699 deaths, as of September 20, 2026, based on data available up to September 19.
The update showed that 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, representing an increase of 58 confirmed cases and 23 deaths from the previous report issued on September 19.
The 58 new cases were recorded in Ituri with 38 cases, North Kivu with 14, Haut-Uélé with 5 and Tshopo with 1.
The report also stated that 1,879 people who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus had recovered, while 79.9 per cent of identified contacts of confirmed cases were under follow-up in affected provinces.
It added that 197 additional confirmed cases and 94 deaths had been reported since the previous European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control report of September 18.