Nigeria on High Alert as Ebola Outbreak Continues in DR Congo

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said Nigeria remains on high alert amid the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

A statement signed by the Centre’s Director General, Mr Jide Idris, noted that the development had set the country on a ‘high alert’ as all preparatory activities are ongoing to combat any threat.

“These measures will continue to be reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment,” he added.

In a health advisory, the centre advised travellers from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of the enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures.

“Passengers from all other countries are exempted from completing the form at this time,” the advisory showed.

The NCDC advised the public to “remain vigilant”, particularly for symptoms consistent with EVD, and to promptly seek medical attention and report relevant travel or exposure history where applicable.

The Centre noted that the advisory followed its Dynamic Risk Assessment and consultations with relevant public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

On September 20, 2026, the DRC reported a total of 7,672 confirmed cases, including 3,699 related deaths (from data up until 19 September).

A total of 886 patients are hospitalised in isolation, representing an increase of 58 new confirmed cases and 23 deaths since the previous report on 19 September (reporting data up until 18 September).

The 58 new cases have been reported from Ituri (38 cases), North Kivu (14 cases), Haut-Uélé (five cases), and Tshopo (one case).

Among the individuals who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus, 1,879 have recovered.

In total, 79.9 per cent of identified case contacts are under follow-up in the affected provinces.

Since the last ECDC report on September 18, 197 new confirmed cases and 94 deaths have been reported.