The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened vigilance after Kenya confirmed an imported Ebola case linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The NCDC disclosed this in a statement issued by its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The confirmed case, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, involved a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda, and later flying to Nairobi.
According to the statement, the patient was isolated and tested positive for the virus but later died. Kenyan health authorities have commenced contact tracing and other response measures.
The development has raised concerns over the possibility of further regional spread through international travel and population movement, including potential importation into Nigeria.
The NCDC stressed that “as of 6th October 2026, there is no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria.”
The agency said it has been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the DRC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments and other partners.
Preparatory measures undertaken include early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, public risk communication and protection of healthcare workers.
The NCDC also conducted a National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise to test the country’s response arrangements and identify areas requiring further attention.
Following the confirmation in Kenya, the agency said it was reviewing the risk to Nigeria and its existing preparedness measures.
“These measures will be adapted and strengthened as necessary,” the NCDC said, adding that it would continue working with national and subnational authorities as well as partners.
The disease control agency urged Nigerians to remain calm while observing preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene and avoiding direct contact with the blood or body fluids of sick people.
It also advised against contact with bodies of people who died from unknown illnesses, handling sick or dead wild animals and consuming raw or improperly prepared bushmeat.
Nigerians who become unwell, particularly after travelling to an affected country or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case, were advised to seek prompt medical attention.
The NCDC further urged members of the public to provide healthcare workers with accurate travel and exposure histories and rely on information from official public health authorities.
Healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or exposure histories within the preceding 21 days.
The agency warned that early Ebola symptoms can resemble common febrile illnesses, stressing that healthcare workers should not wait for bleeding before considering the disease where the symptoms and exposure history are compatible.
Suspected cases should be immediately isolated, with appropriate transmission-based precautions and personal protective equipment applied before notification of public health authorities.
Travellers from affected areas were also advised to monitor their health for 21 days after departure and promptly report any symptoms while disclosing their travel and possible exposure history.
The NCDC said it would continue monitoring developments in Kenya, the DRC and other affected countries while working with national, regional and international partners to assess the implications for Nigeria.
The agency also cited Nigeria’s previous experience with Ebola as evidence of the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing further transmission.