The Federal Government, acting through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has ramped up surveillance and emergency response mechanisms in light of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a confirmed imported case in Uganda.
In a public health advisory signed by NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, the agency stated that it is vigilantly tracking developments in the affected nations and coordinating preparedness efforts with the Port Health Services and other partners.
“Response activities are ongoing in the affected areas, and we are ensuring continued vigilance within Nigeria’s public health system,” Dr. Idris noted.
Outlining the activated preparedness measures, Idris highlighted that the NCDC has bolstered nationwide surveillance for Ebola and other epidemic-prone diseases, while enhancing event-based monitoring and collaboration with state health authorities.
Other steps include improving laboratory and diagnostic readiness, strengthening infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings, and expanding community engagement and public risk communication.
The agency is closely monitoring global and regional developments to ensure a swift response if the situation escalates.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal viral infection transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of infected persons or animals. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.