The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), particularly Uganda, where an outbreak has been reported.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel or trade restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC stressed the importance of extra caution.

Ebola Virus Disease, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, with a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. The virus has five distinct species: Bundibugyo, Zaire (the deadliest strain, responsible for major outbreaks, including the 2014–2016 West African epidemic), Reston, Tai Forest, and Sudan (linked to the current outbreak in Uganda).

The virus spreads from animals to humans and can be transmitted between people through direct contact with infected body fluids—such as blood, saliva, vomit, urine, feces, sweat, breast milk, and semen—contaminated objects, or infected animals like fruit bats.

In a public health advisory signed by its Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC urged travelers from affected regions to adhere to strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, gloves, and gowns to prevent the spread of the virus.

The agency also emphasized the need for immediate reporting of suspected cases to local health authorities or the NCDC for proper management and response. Citizens with recent travel history to affected areas are advised to monitor their health closely. If symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising occur, they should contact the NCDC helpline (6232) or State Ministry of Health hotlines for assessment and testing.

Individuals exhibiting symptoms have been advised to avoid public transportation and remain in place until health authorities intervene to prevent further transmission.

The NCDC assured that surveillance has been intensified nationwide, particularly at borders and airports, to monitor travelers from affected regions. Health workers have also been alerted to stay vigilant, and laboratory capacities have been strengthened to facilitate rapid testing of suspected cases.

The center reaffirmed its collaboration with WHO and African regional health authorities to track the outbreak and provide critical updates as the situation evolves.