The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified nationwide preparedness efforts following concerns that the Ebola virus could be imported into the country amid ongoing outbreaks in parts of East Africa.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that the agency has classified the risk of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola entering Nigeria as high due to increasing cross-border movements, international travel, and continued transmission of the disease in affected countries.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, Dr. Idris said health authorities are taking proactive steps to prevent a possible outbreak and ensure rapid response should any case be detected.
According to him, one of the major challenges is that Ebola symptoms often resemble those of other common diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever, making early detection more difficult.
To strengthen the country’s defenses, the NCDC has activated several emergency preparedness measures, including enhanced surveillance at airports and border points, laboratory readiness, risk communication campaigns, improved case management systems, and closer collaboration with health stakeholders nationwide.
The agency also urged state governments to activate emergency response structures and ensure healthcare facilities are prepared to identify and manage suspected cases promptly.
Dr. Idris called on healthcare workers across the country to remain vigilant and maintain a high level of suspicion when treating patients with symptoms that could be linked to Ebola.
He stressed that early detection, immediate reporting, and swift response remain critical to preventing the spread of the deadly virus if it enters the country.
The warning comes as Ebola outbreaks continue to affect parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda. According to global health reports, hundreds of confirmed cases and dozens of deaths have already been recorded in the region.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, healthcare institutions, and international health partners to protect Nigerians from potential infectious disease threats.
Source: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO).
