*as NCDC monitors 28 contacts
By Blessing Bature
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that no additional case of Ebola Virus Disease has been recorded in the country, 21 days after the confirmation of an imported infection caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in a national health security update issued on November 9, 2026, stating that 28 contacts linked to the index case were still undergoing monitoring.
According to Idris, Nigeria confirmed one imported case on October 20, 2026, involving a traveller from Uganda, while a total of 62 contacts have so far been identified.
He said 34 of the contacts had completed their individual 21-day monitoring period, while the remaining 28 were still under follow-up.
The NCDC boss, however, clarified that being identified as a contact does not mean an individual has contracted the disease, explaining that monitoring helps health authorities detect symptoms early and respond appropriately.
He said the agency, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, state governments and development partners, had sustained contact tracing, laboratory testing, surveillance, infection prevention and control measures.
Idris said heightened surveillance remained in place across the country, with reported alerts being investigated to ensure suspected cases were promptly identified and tested.
He urged healthcare workers in public and private facilities to remain vigilant, obtain travel and exposure histories from patients, observe infection prevention measures and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is ill, or contaminated materials.
The NCDC advised anyone experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a healthcare facility.
Beyond Ebola, Idris warned that Nigeria was facing other infectious disease threats, including dengue fever and chikungunya in parts of the country, while diphtheria remained a concern, particularly among children who had missed routine immunisation.
He disclosed that dengue fever had been confirmed in Sokoto and Zamfara states, while chikungunya had been reported in Sokoto.
To strengthen the response, the NCDC had deployed National Rapid Response Teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre, Enugu, to support affected states with case investigation, laboratory testing, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control.
Idris cautioned Nigerians against assuming that every fever was malaria, noting that dengue and chikungunya could also cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.
He urged residents to eliminate stagnant water, cover water containers, clear discarded tyres and protect themselves against mosquito bites, adding that severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and breathing difficulties required urgent medical attention.
The Director-General also called on states to strengthen preparedness for cerebrospinal meningitis as the dry season advances, noting that the period traditionally increases the risk of outbreaks in parts of the meningitis belt.
He advised families to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and confusion occur.
On diphtheria, Idris urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children were fully immunised, warning that the disease remained a serious threat, especially to under-immunised children.
He also called for increased preparedness against Lassa fever ahead of its seasonal peak, urging households to protect food from rodents, maintain clean surroundings and seek medical attention early when experiencing persistent fever.
As the festive season approaches, Idris further urged state governments, event organisers and healthcare providers to strengthen medical arrangements, hygiene and disease surveillance at concerts, religious gatherings, festivals and other mass events.
