The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured the public that there is no outbreak of Ebola or Marburg virus in the country, following investigations into two suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases recently reported in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Friday, NCDC’s Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed that both cases tested negative for Ebola and Marburg, adding that samples are now being screened for other viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Lassa fever and dengue fever.
The most recent case, according to him, involved a traveler who returned from Kigali and immediately reported to a hospital in Abuja after falling ill.
Commending the patient’s swift action, describing it as exemplary, Idris said, “His decision to seek care early, combined with the vigilance of the attending clinician and hospital team, ensured that our public health system was promptly activated and that the risk to the public was minimized.
“This responsible action is highly commendable and a good practice all Nigerians are urged to emulate”.
He also praised the clinicians and staff at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, for raising early suspicion and reporting the case, which triggered a rapid national response.
He also acknowledged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) epidemiology and response teams, Port Health Services, the National Reference Laboratory, and partners in immigration and aviation whose swift coordination demonstrated the strength of Nigeria’s preparedness.
According to him, the NCDC has already conducted a dynamic risk assessment in response to reports of Ebola in other African countries.
He said Nigeria has stepped up surveillance at points of entry, placed isolation and treatment facilities on alert, and pre-positioned critical infection prevention and case management supplies.
Laboratories remain on standby for rapid testing, while response teams are ready to launch contact tracing if necessary, he assured.
Beyond immediate measures, he said, the agency is working with states and partners to upgrade isolation facilities, strengthen infection-prevention training for healthcare workers, conduct simulation exercises, and ensure pathways for accessing medical countermeasures such as vaccines and therapeutics if required.
The agency’s boss called on state governments to provide adequate support to surveillance officers, ensure isolation centres remain functional, and strengthen rapid-response capacity.
He also urged healthcare workers across public and private facilities to maintain vigilance, apply strict infection-control measures, and report suspicious cases without delay.
Private hospitals, Idris noted, play a critical role in early detection and must be fully integrated into national surveillance and preparedness structures.
Providing background, the NCDC explained that Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly called Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever remains one of the deadliest viral illnesses with a fatality rate ranging from 25 to 90 percent.
Transmission, he said, typically occurs through contact with infected animals such as fruit bats and monkeys, or through exposure to the bodily fluids of infected persons.
Health workers, caregivers, and mourners in close contact with the deceased during burials are particularly at risk, he warned.
Symptoms usually appear between two and 21 days after infection and often start with sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, he explained, adding that more severe signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and in fatal cases, death within 8–9 days.
Idris further emphasized that while vaccines and therapeutics exist for some strains, early detection, isolation, and supportive care remain the most effective means of saving livesnfection-control measures, safe burials, and contact tracing are equally critical to stopping transmission chains.
He urged Nigerians to adopt preventive practices, including hand hygiene, avoiding contact with people showing unexplained symptoms, minimizing interaction with wild animals, and ensuring meat is properly cooked.
He also called on the public to seek medical help immediately if symptoms arise, especially after travel to affected areas.
He cautioned against spreading rumours or misinformation, warning that false reports fuel panic, stigma, and resistance to care. Instead, citizens should rely on official updates from NCDC and government channels.
“These recent events are a reminder that the vigilance of one clinician, the responsibility of one patient, and the cooperation of all stakeholders can protect millions.
“The NCDC remains fully committed to protecting the health of Nigerians. With vigilance, collaboration, and responsible action by all, we can prevent and contain outbreaks before they spread.” Idris said.
For assistance or to report suspected cases, Nigerians can call the NCDC toll-free line 6232, use WhatsApp (+234 708 711 0839), SMS (+234 809 955 5577), or email info@ncdc.gov.ng.
