The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has called on Nigerians to remain calm, confirming that the country currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Director-General Jide Idris gave this assurance during a media briefing on Friday in Lagos, providing updates on Nigeria's preparedness and response following outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Preparedness Activities Intensified
Mr Idris stated that since the outbreaks were confirmed, the NCDC has intensified preparedness activities nationwide to ensure Nigeria can rapidly detect, investigate, contain, and respond to any potential importation of the disease. The agency conducted a comprehensive dynamic risk assessment, classifying the risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high due to increasing regional transmission, international travel, population movement, porous borders, and potential delayed recognition since Ebola symptoms may resemble those of malaria and Lassa fever.
No Confirmed Cases
“As I speak, there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria,” Mr Idris said. He noted that while no widely available licensed vaccines or approved treatments specifically target the Bundibugyo strain, experience from previous outbreaks shows that early detection, rapid isolation, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication, and effective emergency coordination remain the most effective tools for preventing transmission and saving lives.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue normal activities, obtain information only from credible sources, avoid spreading rumours and misinformation, and promptly report any unusual illness through established public health channels.
Key Achievements in Preparedness
Mr Idris highlighted that readiness assessments have been completed in 549 health facilities across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Additionally, assessments of 17 designated treatment centres were completed to evaluate screening capacity, isolation readiness, infection prevention and control systems, healthcare workers’ protection, and treatment readiness.
Regarding training, Mr Idris explained that there is no mapped-out training for managing Ebola, but adherence to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) precautions is essential, as with any pandemic.
Surveillance at Entry Points
The NCDC DG stated that high-level surveillance is in place at all entry points across the country, with collaboration with border authorities to prevent Ebola transmission into Nigeria. He emphasized that preparedness is a shared responsibility, requiring active collaboration among state governments, healthcare facilities, communities, development partners, and the public.
“Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014 through strong leadership, rapid detection, effective coordination, public trust, and collective action. Today, we are building on those lessons and strengthening preparedness even further. If Ebola should come into the country, Nigeria will contain it,” Mr Idris concluded.
