The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria.
The clarification came in a public health advisory issued on September 6, following the recent confirmation of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the DRC’s Ministry of Health, as of September 4, 2025, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths—including four health workers—have been reported in Kasai Province. Laboratory tests conducted in Kinshasa confirmed the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause of the outbreak.
In response, the NCDC stated that while no Ebola case has been detected in Nigeria, surveillance efforts have been intensified, particularly at borders and points of entry. It also noted that healthcare facilities nationwide are being reinforced to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC).
“Early recognition, isolation of patients, and supportive treatment reduce the risk of death,” the NCDC advised.
The agency urged Nigerians to:
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Practice strict hand hygiene
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Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms of fever, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding
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Refrain from handling wild animals or consuming bushmeat
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, strictly adhere to IPC protocols, and immediately report any suspected cases.
The NCDC noted that the Ebola Zaire strain, responsible for the outbreak in DRC, is vaccine-preventable. The Ervebo vaccine has been approved for use, and response teams supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently active in affected communities.
Travellers are being advised to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Individuals arriving in Nigeria from such countries within the past 21 days who develop symptoms like fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding are urged to call the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free line: 6232 for immediate assistance.
The NCDC also recalled Nigeria’s previous experience with Ebola. On August 6, 2014, the country recorded its first case, brought in by Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American man. The outbreak resulted in eight deaths, including frontline health workers Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, Justina Obi Ejelonu, and others. Nigeria was eventually declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 20, 2014.
