In light of the recent confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened the nation’s preparedness to prevent any potential spread. The NCDC has issued a travel advisory, urging Nigerians to reconsider non-essential travel to countries affected by the outbreak, while reassuring the public that there have been no reported cases of Ebola in Nigeria.
The outbreak, which was confirmed on January 30, 2025, in Uganda, involves the Sudan species of the Ebola virus, with cases reported in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale city in the Mbale district. The country’s Ministry of Health has reported a single confirmed case and one fatality, with 44 contacts currently being monitored.
In a public health advisory signed by Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC’s Director-General, the Centre emphasized that while the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against travel restrictions to Uganda, Nigerians should avoid unnecessary travel to countries with confirmed cases of Ebola. The NCDC also reiterated that there are currently no Ebola cases in Nigeria and outlined a robust plan to strengthen surveillance and emergency response efforts.
Dr. Idris stated, “The NCDC, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, is actively working to update our EVD emergency contingency plan. We are intensifying surveillance at all points of entry and optimizing diagnostic capacity for EVD testing at designated laboratories in cities with international airports, as well as the National Reference Laboratory.”
The NCDC also assured that all Lassa fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up Ebola testing should the need arise. This proactive approach aims to prevent any potential outbreak, ensuring Nigeria remains vigilant and prepared in the event of an emergency.
Ebola Virus Disease, which has a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 90%, is transmitted from animals to humans, and human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, saliva, vomit, urine, feces, sweat, breast milk, and semen. The virus can also spread through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats, monkeys, and gorillas, as well as through unsafe burial practices.
The incubation period for EVD ranges from 2 to 21 days, with early symptoms often resembling those of other viral infections, including sudden high fever, headaches, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the disease progresses to uncontrolled bleeding, organ dysfunction, and failure.
The NCDC has emphasized the importance of heightened awareness, especially among health workers and individuals in close contact with infected persons. The Centre has also assured the public that it will continue to closely monitor both regional and global health developments, working with international partners to prevent the further spread of this deadly virus.
As the world responds to the outbreak in Uganda, Nigeria’s health authorities remain committed to safeguarding the nation’s public health through swift, coordinated actions and continuous vigilance.
PIONEER NEWS 