The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country, despite an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a recently confirmed imported case in Uganda linked to that outbreak.
NCDC Director-General Issues Assurance
Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, gave the assurance in a public health advisory released on Sunday. He emphasized that Nigeria remains free of Ebola. “Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease,” Idris stated.
However, he noted that the agency has heightened surveillance and preparedness measures throughout the country in response to developments in neighboring African nations. Health authorities in the affected countries, with support from international partners, have activated emergency response mechanisms. These include enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, infection prevention and control measures, case management, and risk communication efforts.
Heightened Monitoring and Collaboration
Idris explained that the NCDC is closely monitoring the situation due to increased regional movement across Africa. The agency is collaborating with relevant organizations, including Port Health Services under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to strengthen Nigeria’s public health preparedness. “NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant stakeholders, including the Port Health Services, to ensure continued vigilance and preparedness within the public health system,” he said.
Call for Calm and Preventive Measures
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain calm and to avoid spreading misinformation about Ebola. It advised the public to maintain preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, and promptly reporting unusual illnesses to health facilities.
The agency continues to emphasize the importance of public cooperation in maintaining the country's Ebola-free status. With regional travel and trade, the risk of importation remains, but the NCDC assures that all necessary steps are being taken to protect the population.
