The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported Ebola disease case in Kenya.
The agency said the development underscores the risk of international importation through travel and population movement, particularly as the case was linked to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the NCDC, Kenya confirmed the case on October 6, 2026, the patient, a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC, travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for Bundibugyo virus, and the patient later died.
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The NCDC, however, stressed that there is no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria as of October 6, 2026.
The agency said it has been working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments and other partners to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness through early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing and risk communication.
Stimulation Exercise
It said that a National Ebola Preparedness Table top Simulation exercise had been conducted to test response arrangements and identify gaps requiring attention.
The NCDC said it is now reviewing the risk to Nigeria and existing preparedness measures, with plans to adapt and strengthen them as necessary in collaboration with national and subnational authorities and partners.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with blood and body fluids of sick persons, and seek care promptly if they develop symptoms, particularly following travel to affected areas.
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion among patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or exposure history, while applying standard precautions and immediately isolating suspected cases.
The NCDC further advised travellers from affected areas to monitor their health for 21 days and promptly report symptoms or possible exposure to public health authorities.
The agency said Nigeria’s previous experience with Ebola demonstrates the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing onward transmission, urging state governments, healthcare workers and the public to support ongoing preparedness efforts.
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