The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that Nigeria has recorded no additional Ebola cases, 21 days after the country detected an imported infection caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in a national health security update on Tuesday, noting that although no new infections had been confirmed as of November 9, 2026, 28 contacts of the index case remained under monitoring.
Idris said 62 contacts had been identified following the confirmation of the imported case on October 20, 2026, with 34 having completed their individual 21-day monitoring period.
He explained that the monitoring of the remaining contacts was part of ongoing efforts to ensure early detection of symptoms and prevent possible transmission.
According to him, the NCDC, working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCT Administration, state authorities and development partners, had sustained a coordinated response involving contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection prevention, safe clinical care and surveillance at points of entry.
He said health authorities were also investigating reported alerts and maintaining heightened surveillance across the country to ensure suspected cases were promptly identified.
The NCDC boss urged healthcare workers in public and private facilities to remain vigilant, obtain patients’ travel histories and possible exposure information, and immediately notify public health authorities whenever Ebola is suspected.
He advised anyone experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to avoid contact with others and call the NCDC toll-free line on 6232 for guidance before travelling to a health facility.
Meanwhile, Idris raised concerns over other infectious disease threats, particularly dengue fever and Chikungunya, which have been confirmed in parts of the country.
He disclosed that dengue fever had been confirmed in Sokoto and Zamfara States, while Chikungunya had been detected in Sokoto State.
He said the NCDC had deployed National Rapid Response Teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre, Enugu, to support affected states with case detection, laboratory investigations, clinical readiness, community engagement and mosquito control.
Idris warned Nigerians against assuming that every fever was malaria, noting that dengue and Chikungunya could cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.
He urged residents to seek medical attention for persistent fever, particularly when accompanied by rashes, vomiting or severe joint pains.
The Director-General also warned of increased meningitis risks as the dry season advances, urging states within the meningitis belt to strengthen surveillance, diagnostic capacity, clinical readiness and vaccination responses where necessary.
On diphtheria, he said the disease remained a serious concern, particularly among children who had missed routine immunisation, urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children were fully vaccinated.
He further cautioned that Nigeria was approaching the period when Lassa fever cases historically increased, calling on state governments and health facilities to strengthen surveillance, testing, treatment readiness and infection prevention ahead of the seasonal peak.
Idris also urged state authorities, event organisers and healthcare providers to strengthen health and safety arrangements ahead of increased travel, concerts, religious gatherings and other mass events during the festive season.
He called for adequate medical assistance, improved hygiene and sanitation, and clear arrangements for identifying and reporting suspected infectious disease cases.
He urged Nigerians to seek medical attention early when unwell, protect themselves against mosquitoes and rodents, cooperate with public health response teams and share only verified information.
For guidance or to report suspected cases, Nigerians were advised to contact the NCDC toll-free line on 6232 or their respective state public health authorities.
