By Julian Osamoto
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has heightened surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola disease in Kenya.
The case, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, says there was no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria as of the date of the statement.
Dr Idris said the confirmed case in Kenya involved a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC.
“The patient travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the virus”.
“The patient later died, while Kenyan health authorities began contact tracing and other response measures”.
The NCDC said the case highlighted the risk of international importation through travel and population movement, including the possibility of transmission into Nigeria.
The agency said it is working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments and other partners to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for Ebola.
“The measures include early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and protection of healthcare workers.”
It also says a national Ebola preparedness tabletop simulation exercise had been conducted to test response arrangements and identify gaps requiring attention.
The agency advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant and practise regular hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
It urges the public to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is ill, particularly people showing symptoms suggestive of Ebola.
Nigerians were also advised to avoid contact with the bodies of people who have died from unknown illnesses.
The NCDC warned against handling sick or dead wild animals and eating raw or poorly cooked bushmeat.
It urged anyone who becomes unwell, particularly after travelling to an affected area or having contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case, to seek prompt medical care at a recognised health facility.
Travellers from affected areas were also advised to monitor their health for 21 days after leaving an affected area and disclose their travel and possible exposure history if symptoms develop.
