NCDC Issues Ebola Alert as Congo Confirms New Outbreak
… Assures no case detected in Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised a public health alert following confirmation of a fresh Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the DRC Ministry of Health, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, have been recorded in Kasai Province as of September 4, 2025. Laboratory analysis in Kinshasa confirmed the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause of the outbreak.
In a statement on Saturday, the NCDC stressed that no case has been detected in Nigeria but said surveillance at borders and healthcare facilities nationwide has been heightened to prevent importation. It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of strict hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people showing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding, and staying away from direct contact with wildlife or raw bushmeat.
“Early detection, prompt isolation, and supportive treatment greatly reduce the risk of fatality,” the agency noted.
The NCDC further advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, comply strictly with infection prevention protocols, and report suspected cases immediately.
The Ebola Zaire strain behind the DRC outbreak already has an approved vaccine, Ervebo, and response teams supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been deployed to affected areas.
Meanwhile, travellers are cautioned against non-essential visits to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Nigerians returning from such countries within 21 days who develop symptoms like fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding are advised to call the NCDC toll-free line, 6232, for immediate medical assessment.
Nigeria is currently managing multiple outbreaks including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, measles, and anthrax. The NCDC assured that it is closely monitoring global health developments and will continue to issue timely updates.
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