The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that there is no case of Ebola virus in Nigeria.
This announcement follows the confirmation of a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The DRC Ministry of Health recently reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in Kasai Province as of September 4, 2025. Laboratory tests identified the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause of the outbreak.
In response, the NCDC stated that while no Ebola cases have been reported in Nigeria, surveillance has been intensified, particularly at borders and points of entry.
Healthcare facilities nationwide are being strengthened to enhance infection prevention and control measures.
The agency emphasized that early recognition, patient isolation, and supportive treatment are key to reducing mortality risks.
Nigerians are urged to practice strict hand hygiene, avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms such as fever, diarrhea or unexplained bleeding, and refrain from direct contact with wildlife or raw bushmeat.
Health workers are advised to maintain vigilance, strictly follow infection prevention protocols, and report any suspected cases immediately.
The Ebola Zaire strain responsible for the current outbreak has an approved vaccine, Ervebo. Response teams supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) have been deployed to affected areas in the DRC.
Travelers are cautioned to avoid non-essential trips to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those arriving in Nigeria from such countries within the past 21 days and experiencing symptoms like fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding are encouraged to contact the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, for prompt assessment.
Historically, Nigeria’s first and only Ebola case was recorded on August 6, 2014, when a Liberian-American man, Patrick Sawyer, flew into the country.
He, along with nurse Justina Obi Ejelonu and doctor Amaeyoh Adadevoh who treated him, died from the disease, alongside six other fatalities. The WHO declared Nigeria Ebola-free on October 20, 2014.
