Nigeria on high alert following Ebola outbreak in Uganda 

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has confirmed that Nigeria is on heightened alert after the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.

The announcement was made on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Dr. Idris clarified that while no cases of Ebola have been reported in Nigeria, the NCDC, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has ramped up surveillance efforts to prevent the virus from entering the country.

The outbreak, which is caused by the Sudan strain of the virus, was confirmed by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on January 30, 2025. So far, Uganda has reported one case and one death in the Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale Districts.

Health authorities in Uganda are actively tracking 44 individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person to prevent further spread.

In response, Dr. Idris explained that the NCDC has taken several precautionary measures, including updating its Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) contingency plan, enhancing screening protocols at entry points, especially international airports, and optimizing diagnostic capabilities for Ebola testing in key laboratories.

Additionally, Lassa fever testing laboratories have been prepared to scale up for Ebola testing if necessary.

While reassuring Nigerians that there is no immediate cause for concern, Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting that the Sudan strain of Ebola does not yet have an approved vaccine, making early detection and containment crucial.

He advised Nigerians to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, avoid contact with people displaying symptoms like fever, weakness, and unexplained bleeding, and refrain from consuming bushmeat, especially bats and primates.

Travelers who have recently visited affected countries and show symptoms like fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding are urged to seek medical attention immediately.

Dr. Idris also recommended that Nigerians avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola outbreaks. Travelers returning from these areas should call the NCDC toll-free number (6232) or their state Ministry of Health hotline if symptoms arise.

In addition to the Ebola alert, Nigeria is currently dealing with other public health threats, including outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax. Dr. Idris reaffirmed the NCDC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening surveillance and response efforts across the nation.

For more information on Ebola, Dr. Idris provided key details about the disease. Ebola is caused by the Ebola virus, which has five known strains, with the Sudan strain being one of the more severe.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated objects, or certain animals, including bats and primates.

Symptoms can appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding. If not properly managed, the disease can lead to organ failure and death.

Ebola outbreaks have occurred sporadically in several African countries, with the most severe one occurring between 2014 and 2016 in West Africa. The virus remains a serious health concern in regions with ongoing transmission.