The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but stressed that no case had been recorded in Nigeria.
The DRC Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, had been reported in Kasai Province as of September 4, 2025. Laboratory tests in Kinshasa confirmed the Ebola Zaire strain.
The NCDC said surveillance has been heightened at borders and points of entry, while hospitals are being strengthened for infection prevention and control.
“Early recognition, isolation of patients, and supportive treatment reduce the risk of death,” the agency warned.
It urged Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with people showing symptoms of fever, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding, and avoid bushmeat.
Health workers were cautioned to maintain high suspicion, adhere to prevention protocols, and report suspected cases immediately.
The approved Ebola Zaire vaccine, Ervebo, is available, and WHO-backed response teams have been deployed in DRC.
Travellers from affected countries were advised to self-report if symptoms occur within 21 days of arrival in Nigeria by calling the NCDC toll-free line, 6232.
Nigeria continues to battle multiple outbreaks including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, measles, and anthrax.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo
About the Author
