The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported no new Ebola cases since confirming the country’s first imported infection on October 20, 2026, although 28 people exposed to the patient remain under monitoring.
The agency disclosed that 34 of the 62 contacts identified in connection with the case had completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period as of November 9, while the remaining 28 were still being followed up.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, gave the update on Tuesday, three weeks after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in a traveller from Uganda.
Idris said the agency was sustaining contact tracing, investigation of reported alerts, laboratory testing and surveillance at points of entry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCT Administration, state authorities and development partners.
He cautioned against assuming that the 21 days since the first case was confirmed represented the monitoring period for all identified contacts, explaining that each contact has an individual 21-day follow-up period.
The NCDC chief also clarified that being identified as a contact does not mean an individual has contracted Ebola, noting that the monitoring exercise is designed to ensure early identification and appropriate response if symptoms develop.
The agency urged healthcare workers in public and private facilities to remain vigilant, establish patients’ travel and exposure histories, observe infection prevention measures and promptly report suspected cases to public health authorities.
It advised anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to Ebola to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a health facility.
Beyond the Ebola response, the agency raised concerns over other infectious diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, diphtheria, cerebrospinal meningitis and Lassa fever.
It confirmed dengue fever cases in Sokoto and Zamfara states, as well as chikungunya in Sokoto State.
To support the affected states, the NCDC said it had deployed national rapid response teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, to assist with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control.
Idris warned Nigerians against assuming that every fever was malaria, explaining that dengue and chikungunya could also cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.
He identified severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and difficulty breathing as possible warning signs of serious dengue complications requiring urgent medical attention.
The agency also urged states in the meningitis belt to strengthen surveillance, diagnostic services, clinical preparedness and vaccination responses as the dry season advances.
On diphtheria, the NCDC described the disease as a continuing concern, particularly among children who had missed routine immunisation, urging parents and caregivers to check their children’s vaccination status and seek guidance on missed doses.
