The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following an update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), placing Nigeria on “high alert.”
In a statement signed by the Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, the agency said preparatory measures were ongoing to strengthen the country’s readiness to respond to any potential threat.
“These measures will continue to be reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment,” Idris said.
The NCDC advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures.
It added that passengers arriving from all other countries were currently exempt from completing the form.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and pay attention to symptoms associated with EVD. It also advised anyone who develops relevant symptoms to promptly seek medical attention and provide healthcare workers with information about any recent travel or possible exposure.
According to the NCDC, the advisory followed a dynamic risk assessment and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to emerging public health threats.
DRC outbreak figures
The DRC reported 7,672 confirmed EVD cases and 3,699 related deaths as of September 20, 2026, based on data up to September 19.
A total of 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, representing an increase of 58 confirmed cases and 23 deaths compared with the previous report.
The 58 newly reported cases were recorded in Ituri (38), North Kivu (14), Haut-Uélé (five) and Tshopo (one).
The outbreak has also recorded 1,879 recoveries among individuals who tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus, while 79.9 per cent of identified contacts remain under follow-up in affected provinces.
Since the previous European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report of September 18, a further 197 confirmed cases and 94 deaths have been reported.
The NCDC said it would continue to monitor developments and review its response measures in line with changes in the epidemiological situation and the assessed public health risk.
