The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has officially debunked circulating rumors claiming that there are confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in the country. This clarification follows a wave of online and offline speculations that triggered public anxiety over a potential outbreak.
During a press briefing held at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in Yaba, Lagos, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, reassured the public that Nigeria remains completely free of the virus. He emphasized that the engagement was part of the agency’s commitment to transparency, public awareness, and ensuring that citizens are accurately informed about public health threats.
“We wish to clarify: there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Nigeria. Any report stating otherwise is false. The NCDC remains vigilant and continues to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response measures nationwide,” Dr. Idris stated.
Rising Regional Threats and Global Health Alerts
The NCDC’s proactive response comes on the heels of an active Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The current situation in East and Central Africa has already led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
In light of the international alert, Dr. Idris recently chaired a high-level stakeholder meeting dedicated to reviewing and fortifying Nigeria’s domestic preparedness strategies. The agency notes that while the risk is being managed, the geographical proximity and regional travel patterns necessitate a state of high alert.
National Surveillance and Border Controls Tightened
To prevent any potential importation of the virus, the NCDC has activated heightened preparedness efforts across Nigeria’s borders. These measures include intensified screening and surveillance at various Points of Entry, community-based surveillance, and optimizing the readiness of the national laboratory network.
Furthermore, the agency has developed comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protocols, and strict Case Definitions to guide healthcare experts, border officials, and the general public in identifying and isolating any suspected threats immediately.
Public Urged to Rely Only on Verified Sources
The NCDC has strongly advised Nigerians to ignore unverified social media reports and instead seek health updates from authorized channels, such as the official NCDC website and verified social media handles.
The agency also acknowledged the critical roles played by international partners, including the U.S. CDC, UNICEF, WHO, and Resolve to Save Lives, thanking them for their continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s health security infrastructure.
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