Following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance at the country’s entry points, including airports. The agency also advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected regions.

In a public health advisory, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris reassured the public that there are currently no reported Ebola cases in Nigeria but emphasized the need for vigilance.

“There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. However, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners, the NCDC has intensified efforts, including updating our EVD emergency contingency plan, strengthening surveillance at points of entry, and optimizing diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories, particularly in cities with international airports,” Idris stated.

He further noted that Lassa Fever testing laboratories could be activated if additional testing capacity is needed.

Background on the Uganda Outbreak

On January 30, 2025, Uganda confirmed an Ebola case caused by the Sudan virus species in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District. So far, only one case has been recorded, resulting in one fatality, with 44 contacts under monitoring.

Uganda, with significant experience in managing Ebola outbreaks, has already initiated containment measures.

Understanding Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe and often fatal illness with a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. The virus has five distinct species: Bundibugyo, Zaire, Reston, Tai Forest, and Sudan. The Zaire strain, responsible for the 2014–2016 West African outbreak, is the deadliest, while the Sudan strain is behind the current outbreak in Uganda.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, urine, feces, sweat, breast milk, and semen) of an infected person, contaminated objects, or infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, porcupines, and forest antelopes. Unsafe burial practices can also contribute to the spread.

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, with initial symptoms including sudden high fever, headache, body aches, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to jaundice, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, shock, and death, typically occurring within 8 to 9 days of symptom onset.

Nigeria’s Preparedness and Risk Level

The NCDC has classified Nigeria’s Ebola risk level as moderate, citing the recent risk assessment and the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda.

“A moderate risk classification indicates that, without mitigation, EVD could spread to Nigeria with significant public health consequences. We must take necessary precautions,” the agency warned.

While vaccines exist for some Ebola strains, the approved vaccine for the Zaire strain is unavailable in Nigeria and does not provide protection against the Sudan virus. However, early detection, isolation, supportive treatment, infection prevention measures, contact tracing, and safe burial practices significantly reduce transmission and fatalities.

Preventive Measures for Nigerians

The NCDC advised Nigerians to adopt the following preventive measures:

• Maintain strict hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizers when necessary.
• Avoid physical contact with individuals exhibiting infection symptoms.
• Refrain from consuming bush meat, particularly bats and non-human primates, which are known Ebola reservoirs. If consumption is necessary, ensure proper preparation and thorough cooking.
• Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases.
• If experiencing Ebola-like symptoms after traveling to an affected country, call 6232 or your State Ministry of Health hotline immediately.

Healthcare Workers’ Advisory

The NCDC urged healthcare professionals to:

• Maintain heightened vigilance for suspected Ebola cases.
• Ensure strict patient isolation and infection prevention protocols.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, and gowns, when managing suspected cases.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening nationwide surveillance, particularly at airports and borders, while enhancing laboratory capacities for rapid testing. It also continues to coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO) and African health authorities to monitor developments.

Travel Advisory

Although WHO has not recommended travel restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC advised Nigerians to avoid all but essential travel to Ebola-affected countries.

For individuals who have recently traveled from or transited through affected regions within the last 21 days and experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding, the NCDC issued the following guidelines:

• Call 6232 or the State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.
• Remain in place to prevent potential spread until health authorities arrive.
• Await transport to a designated treatment center if required.

For further information and emergency assistance, call the NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free line: 6232.