Nairobi:The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened its vigilance following the confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo Virus Disease case in Kenya, linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NCDC’s Director-General Dr. Jide Idris stated that the situation highlights the risk of international disease importation due to travel and population movement, raising concerns about possible transmission into Nigeria.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed that the case involved a Kenyan citizen residing in the DRC who traveled to Kampala, Uganda, by road before flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive. The patient later died, prompting Kenyan health authorities to begin contact tracing and other response measures to prevent further virus transmission.
As of October 6, there have been no confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria. The NCDC continues to monitor developments in Kenya, the DRC, and other affected regions, reviewing Nigeria’s risk assessment and preparedness measures. Plans are in place to strengthen interventions in response to the evolving situation.
Since the outbreak’s emergence in the DRC, the NCDC, alongside the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, State Governments, and partners, has bolstered national Ebola preparedness. Measures include early detection, isolation, laboratory diagnosis, infection control, contact tracing, risk communication, and healthcare worker protection.
The NCDC also conducted a National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation to test response arrangements and identify gaps needing attention. Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, practice hand hygiene, and avoid contact with blood or body fluids of suspected Ebola cases.
He advised avoiding contact with bodies of unknown illness victims, sick or dead wild animals, and improperly prepared bushmeat. Nigerians traveling from affected areas or exposed to suspected cases should seek care at recognized health facilities and provide accurate travel and exposure histories to healthcare workers.
Healthcare workers are urged to maintain suspicion of Ebola in patients with symptoms and relevant travel histories, isolate suspected cases, use protective equipment, and notify health authorities promptly. Travelers from affected areas should monitor their health for 21 days and report any symptoms or exposure.
Dr. Idris reaffirmed that the NCDC will continue collaborating with partners to assess the situation’s implications for Nigeria and strengthen preparedness, providing updates as needed.