The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has officially placed the nation on ‘high alert’ following a significant update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This proactive stance comes as the NCDC releases a comprehensive health advisory, signaling intensified preparedness activities across the country.
According to a statement signed by the Centre’s Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, Nigeria is actively implementing a range of preparatory measures designed to effectively combat any potential threat posed by the viral disease. Dr. Idris assured the public that these measures would undergo continuous review, adapting to the evolving epidemiological landscape and public health risk assessments.
Enhanced Surveillance and Travel Protocols
In a bid to bolster public health surveillance, the NCDC’s advisory mandates travelers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete a Health Declaration Form. This step is a crucial component of enhanced follow-up measures. However, passengers from all other countries are currently exempted from this requirement.
The Centre also urged the Nigerian public to maintain a high level of vigilance. Citizens are advised to be particularly aware of symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease, and to promptly seek medical attention should such symptoms appear. Crucially, individuals are encouraged to report any relevant travel or exposure history to healthcare professionals where applicable, aiding rapid response efforts.
The advisory itself is the result of the NCDC’s dynamic risk assessment, conducted in close consultation with leading public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This collaborative approach underscores the evidence-based strategy underpinning Nigeria’s preparedness efforts.
DRC Outbreak: A Detailed Look at the Numbers
The urgency of Nigeria’s response is directly linked to the concerning statistics emerging from the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of September 20, 2026, the DRC has reported a cumulative total of 7,672 confirmed EVD cases, resulting in 3,699 related deaths from data collected up to September 19. The situation remains dynamic, with 886 patients currently hospitalized in isolation.
Recent reports highlight a worrying increase, with 58 new confirmed cases and 23 deaths recorded since the previous update on September 19 (reporting data up to September 18). These new infections were specifically identified across several provinces:
- Ituri: 38 cases
- North Kivu: 14 cases
- Haut-Uélé: 5 cases
- Tshopo: 1 case
Amidst these challenging figures, there is a glimmer of hope, with 1,879 individuals who tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus having recovered. Furthermore, a substantial 79.9 percent of identified case contacts are currently under active follow-up across the affected provinces, a critical component in containing the spread of the virus.
The NCDC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians through robust, evidence-based surveillance, meticulous preparedness, and effective response mechanisms against public health threats.