The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a nationwide public health advisory in response to a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While no cases have been detected in Nigeria, the NCDC has activated a heightened state of preparedness to prevent the virus’s spread into the country. The advisory, released on Saturday, September 6, 2025, is a proactive measure to safeguard public health and ensure a swift response if a case is identified.
According to the NCDC, the outbreak in the DRC, which is a “Zaire” strain, has already led to significant casualties. As of September 4, 2025, health officials in the DRC had confirmed 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four healthcare workers. This new outbreak, the country’s 16th, highlights the persistent threat of the virus in the Central African region and the need for immediate, coordinated action to contain it.
In a statement, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris reassured Nigerians that the agency is closely monitoring the situation. He stated that Nigeria is at a “moderate risk” of importing the virus due to high levels of international travel with the DRC. To mitigate this risk, the NCDC has activated its emergency operations center and implemented several key measures.
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These include heightened surveillance at all points of entry, such as airports and land borders, and the reinforcement of infection prevention and control practices in healthcare facilities across the country to protect both patients and healthcare workers.
The NCDC is also urging Nigerians to take personal precautions to protect themselves. The public health advisory recommends regular handwashing, avoiding physical contact with anyone showing suspicious symptoms, and thoroughly cooking all animal products. Additionally, citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
Anyone with a recent travel history to affected areas who develops symptoms is urged to immediately call the NCDC hotline on 6232 for prompt assessment and testing. The public is reminded that the Zaire strain has an approved vaccine, Ervebo, which is proven to provide protection against the virus.
