The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has assured the public that no case of Ebola Virus Disease has been detected in the country, following reports of a fresh outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The DRC Ministry of Health confirmed that as of September 4, 2025, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, were recorded in Kasai Province. Laboratory tests in Kinshasa identified the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause of the outbreak.
In a public health advisory issued on Saturday, the NCDC said it has stepped up surveillance at borders and other points of entry, while also strengthening infection prevention and control measures in hospitals across Nigeria.
“Early recognition, isolation of patients, and supportive treatment reduce the risk of death,” the agency said. It urged Nigerians to maintain strict hand hygiene, avoid contact with people showing unexplained fever, diarrhoea, or bleeding, and stay away from direct contact with wildlife or raw bushmeat.
The Centre also appealed to health workers to remain alert. “Healthcare professionals must maintain a high index of suspicion, adhere strictly to infection prevention measures, and report suspected cases immediately,” it advised.
The NCDC noted that an approved vaccine — Ervebo — exists for the Ebola Zaire strain, and that response teams supported by the World Health Organisation have been deployed to affected areas in DRC.
It also advised travellers to avoid non-essential trips to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Nigerians returning from such countries within 21 days who experience fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding have been urged to call the NCDC toll-free line, 6232, for immediate help.
While stressing there is no cause for panic, the agency reminded the public that Nigeria is still responding to other health challenges such as Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, measles, and anthrax.
The NCDC said it will continue to monitor global and regional developments closely and provide regular updates.
