Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is maintaining a heightened state of readiness and strengthening its national surveillance systems to prevent the potential introduction of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV), amid reports of outbreaks in parts of Central and East Africa. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reassured the public that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) within the country.

Following recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the Nigerian government has activated enhanced preparedness measures. These include intensified surveillance and monitoring nationwide, strengthened screening and health declaration protocols at all points of entry, and increased coordination with state ministries of health and other relevant stakeholders.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed several states on high alert, categorizing Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as high-risk due to the presence of international airports, porous borders, and active trade or travel routes. Moderate-risk states have also been identified, requiring sustained preparedness efforts.

Key preparedness measures in place include strict border control and point of entry protocols, such as universal temperature screening for arriving travelers and mandatory completion of health declaration forms. Enhanced traveler risk assessment, secondary screening, and isolation mechanisms are also operational for individuals presenting symptoms consistent with viral hemorrhagic fevers.

The Ministry emphasized that outbreak control relies on early detection, prompt isolation of suspected cases, strict infection prevention measures, effective contact tracing, and robust community engagement.

Healthcare workers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for EVD, adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols, promptly isolate suspected cases, and report them through established public health channels.

To bolster national health security, the government is also strengthening laboratory preparedness and diagnostic capacity, reinforcing infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, and intensifying public awareness campaigns.

Nigerians are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and continue practicing preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals. The public is also advised to promptly report any unusual illnesses to the nearest health facility.