The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a fresh public alert on the Ebola virus, outlining five key symptoms and three preventive measures for Nigerians. The update comes as Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate confirmed that 44 close contacts had been identified and tracing was already underway following an imported Ebola case in Abuja.
NCDC Lists 5 Key Ebola Symptoms
In a post shared via its X handle @NCDCgov on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the NCDC listed fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea as the five symptoms that people should watch out for. The agency stressed the importance of early recognition, given how quickly the virus can spread through contact with infected body fluids.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other body fluids of infected people or animals.
3 Preventive Measures Urged by NCDC
Alongside the symptom list, the NCDC urged members of the public to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid any contact with the body fluids of a person suspected to have Ebola, and remain especially alert following possible exposure to the virus. These three measures are intended to reduce the risk of infection and limit further spread.
Earlier, the Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, also released a public statement after Nigeria confirmed an imported Ebola Bundibugyo case in Abuja. The patient sought care on October 11, 2026, and the government publicly confirmed the case nine days later.
Nigerians React to NCDC Update
The alert triggered scepticism from some Nigerians on social media. @ebus_valentino wrote: "You people should stop this nonsense. This is an avenue to loot. There's no EBOLA case in Nigeria." @Taizinn_ expressed doubt about the virus's presence in the country, adding: "Uganda says no one has Ebola from their country. Una dey push propaganda!!!" @astracoth offered a more cynical take, writing: "Food don land again for una. No be me una go scope sha."
Atiku Demands Full Breakdown of ₦10bn Ebola Fund
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, challenged the Tinubu administration to publish a full breakdown of the ₦10 billion announced for Ebola preparedness in June 2026. Atiku raised questions about the nine-day delay before the government publicly confirmed Nigeria's first Ebola case in Abuja after the patient sought care on October 11, 2026. The statement also accused the government of planning to use the Ebola outbreak to discourage Nigerians from attending campaign rallies ahead of the 2027 elections.
