Ebola Alert: NCDC on High Alert as Kenya Confirms Imported Case
Nigeria's disease control agency has raised its vigilance level following confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Kenya. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says there is no confirmed case in Nigeria as of October 6, 2026, but the risk of international spread is real.
What happened in Kenya?
The confirmed case was a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He traveled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus. The patient subsequently died, and Kenyan health authorities have started contact tracing and other response measures.
Why is Nigeria on alert?
The Kenyan case is linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC. NCDC Director-General Dr Jide Idris said this development introduces a new dimension to the regional situation and underscores the risk of importation through travel and population movement, including into Nigeria.
This is not a time for panic. This is a time for smart, coordinated action. Nigeria has been here before, and we know what it takes to win.
What is NCDC doing about it?
The NCDC has been closely monitoring the DRC outbreak and assessing its implications for Nigeria. Since the outbreak was first reported, the agency has worked with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments, and other partners to strengthen preparedness.
Key measures include:
- Early detection, isolation, and referral
- Laboratory diagnosis
- Infection prevention and control
- Contact tracing
- Risk communication
- Protection of healthcare workers
A National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise has also been conducted to test response arrangements and identify gaps.
What should healthcare workers do?
The NCDC is urging healthcare workers in both public and private facilities to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with compatible symptoms and a history of travel to an affected country within the preceding 21 days.
Here is the key message: Do not wait for bleeding before considering Ebola disease in a patient with compatible symptoms and relevant epidemiological history.
Suspected cases should be immediately isolated, with appropriate transmission-based precautions applied. Healthcare workers must use the required personal protective equipment and notify public health authorities through established surveillance channels.
What should the public do?
The NCDC is asking Nigerians to stay calm but vigilant. Practical steps include:
- Regular hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs
- Avoid direct contact with blood or body fluids of anyone who is ill
- Avoid contact with bodies of people who died from unknown illnesses
- Avoid handling sick or dead wild animals
- Avoid consuming raw or improperly prepared bushmeat
If you become unwell, especially after recent travel to an affected country or contact with a suspected or confirmed case, seek care promptly at a recognized health facility. Be honest with healthcare workers about your travel history.
What about travelers?
Travellers to and from affected areas should remain vigilant and familiarise themselves with Ebola symptoms. If you may have been exposed, monitor your health for 21 days after leaving the affected area.
If symptoms develop, avoid unnecessary contact with others and immediately contact public health authorities or seek care at a recognized facility, clearly disclosing your travel and possible exposure history.
Is there a confirmed case in Nigeria?
No. As of October 6, 2026, there is no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria. The NCDC stressed this point and urged Nigerians to rely on information from official public health authorities, not unverified sources.
What is the bottom line?
Nigeria's experience with Ebola underscores the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing onward transmission. The NCDC says it will continue to monitor developments in Kenya, the DRC, and other affected countries, working with national, regional, and international partners.
We have the systems. We have the know-how. Now we need every Nigerian to play their part. Stay informed. Stay vigilant. And let us keep Nigeria safe.