Nigeria on Alert as Ebola Kills 15 in Congo

Nigeria’s health authorities have assured citizens that there are currently no cases of Ebola virus disease in the country, even as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) battles a new outbreak that has already claimed 15 lives. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, gave the update over the weekend, while also issuing a public health advisory to prevent panic and keep the public informed about the situation.

According to Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, the outbreak was confirmed by the DRC’s Ministry of Health in Kasai Province, specifically in the Bulape and Mweka health zones. As of September 4, at least 28 suspected cases had been identified, with 15 of them resulting in deaths, including four healthcare workers who were on the frontlines treating patients. Samples tested at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed that the Ebola Zaire virus strain is responsible for the outbreak. With a mortality rate estimated at about 57 percent, the disease once again poses a serious threat in central Africa.

Dr. Idris explained that while the outbreak is currently confined to Congo, Nigeria has heightened its level of preparedness. Surveillance has been strengthened at entry points into the country, healthcare facilities, and communities to ensure that if the virus attempts to cross borders, it can be detected and contained early. He stressed that Nigeria remains free of the disease for now but cautioned that prevention and vigilance are key, considering how easily Ebola can spread if not properly managed.

Ebola virus disease, formerly called Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is one of the world’s most dangerous infectious diseases. It has an incubation period of two to 21 days and often begins with fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These early symptoms are followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, and in many severe cases, internal and external bleeding, organ failure, and eventual death. The fatality rate of Ebola varies from 25 to 90 percent depending on the strain, the speed of diagnosis, and the availability of treatment and supportive care.

The current outbreak has already triggered an emergency response in Congo. Its government has activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed a National Rapid Response Team, with support from the World Health Organization. These teams are working to trace contacts, strengthen laboratory diagnostics, enhance infection prevention measures, and provide case management. However, the death of four health workers underscores the risk faced by medical staff, even when protective equipment and training are in place.

For Nigeria, the latest outbreak brings back memories of 2014, when Ebola spread into Lagos and caused nationwide fear. Then, quick response and strict public health measures helped Nigeria contain the outbreak with only a handful of cases. Dr. Idris emphasized that the country has since built stronger systems to detect and respond to infectious diseases. The NCDC, working with the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners, has put structures in place for risk communication, infection prevention, and border surveillance.

In his advisory, Dr. Idris reminded Nigerians that there is a vaccine against the Ebola Zaire strain, known as Ervebo, which has been approved and proven effective in preventing infection. While not everyone will need the vaccine, having it available gives health authorities an important tool for protecting frontline workers and vulnerable populations if an outbreak ever occurs in Nigeria.

The NCDC also issued practical advice to citizens. Nigerians are urged to practice good hand hygiene, avoid unnecessary contact with people who are ill, and reduce risks of wildlife-to-human transmission by handling animals only with protective gear. He warned against direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of people who might be infected. Travellers were specifically advised to avoid non-essential trips to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those who must travel are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious symptoms to health authorities upon return.

A dedicated emergency line, 6232, remains active for anyone in Nigeria who develops symptoms after recent travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Citizens are also encouraged to contact their state Ministries of Health if they suspect a case in their communities. For healthcare workers, the NCDC strongly emphasized strict adherence to infection prevention protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment, and immediate reporting of suspected cases.

While the focus is currently on Ebola, Nigeria’s health sector is also stretched by other outbreaks. The NCDC continues to manage cases of Lassa fever, diphtheria, meningitis, Mpox, measles, and anthrax. Coordinating these multiple disease responses requires constant monitoring, adequate resources, and effective communication with both the public and international partners.

Dr. Idris assured Nigerians that the agency is doing everything possible to maintain readiness. Border surveillance is being reinforced, laboratory testing capacity is being enhanced, and regional collaboration with the World Health Organization and African health bodies is ongoing. He acknowledged that misinformation remains one of the biggest threats during outbreaks, noting that community engagement structures have been activated to provide timely and accurate updates while countering rumours that could create unnecessary panic.

Health experts have pointed out that one of the biggest lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of rapid detection and response. Outbreaks do not need to be widespread before they are taken seriously. For Ebola, the stakes are even higher because of its high mortality rate and the devastating impact it can have on healthcare systems. Early recognition, quick isolation of patients, and immediate supportive treatment are still the most effective ways to save lives and stop the spread.

For now, Nigeria remains Ebola-free. But the reality is that viruses do not respect borders, and with regional travel and trade, the risk of spillover is always present. The advisory issued by the NCDC is therefore a proactive step to keep both citizens and healthcare providers alert. As the DRC works to contain its outbreak with international support, Nigeria’s challenge will be to maintain vigilance, strengthen public confidence, and ensure that its health system remains prepared to act quickly if necessary.