Nigeria is still not free from the Ebola virus disease outbreak despite recording no new confirmed infections, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, stressing that the absence of new cases does not mean the country can be declared Ebola-free.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, gave the warning on Tuesday while providing an update on the country’s response to the imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease involving a traveller from Uganda.
According to the agency, Nigeria had identified 62 contacts linked to the infected traveller as of November 9, 2026.
Of the 62 contacts, 34 had completed their individual 21-day monitoring period, while the remaining 28 were still under surveillance.
Idris explained that each contact must complete an individual 21-day follow-up period, warning against the assumption that the country becomes Ebola-free simply because 21 days have passed since the initial case was confirmed..
He stressed that Nigeria could only be declared Ebola-free after meeting the required public health conditions, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) involved in the process.
The NCDC chief said: “Because they have left the quarantine does not mean we are Ebola-free. We can only be declared Ebola-free after another 21 days again. And it is not by ourselves to declare ourselves Ebola-free. WHO must be involved.“So as at now, although we don’t have any new case, we still have to be vigilant. We are still not Ebola-free.”
NCDC Intensifies Nationwide Surveillance
The agency said it was sustaining contact tracing, investigations of reported alerts, laboratory testing, infection prevention measures and surveillance at Nigeria’s points of entry.
The efforts are being coordinated with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, state authorities and development partners.
Idris also urged healthcare workers in public and private hospitals to remain alert, establish patients’ travel and exposure histories, observe infection prevention measures and promptly report suspected cases.
He clarified that being identified as an Ebola contact does not automatically mean that an individual has contracted the virus.
The monitoring process is designed to identify possible symptoms early and ensure an appropriate public health response.
The NCDC advised anyone who develops symptoms following possible exposure to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a health facility.
NCDC Raises Alarm Over Other Disease Threats
Beyond Ebola, the agency expressed concern about other infectious diseases requiring increased surveillance and public health intervention.
It confirmed dengue fever cases in Sokoto and Zamfara states, while chikungunya infections were also reported in Sokoto State.
To support the affected states, the NCDC said it had deployed national rapid response teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu.
The teams are assisting with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control.
Idris cautioned Nigerians against assuming that every fever is malaria, noting that dengue and chikungunya could also cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains.
The agency further highlighted the risks of cerebrospinal meningitis as the dry season advances, particularly in communities within Nigeria’s meningitis belt.
It also urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations against diphtheria, warning that missed immunisation increases the risk of infection.
The NCDC called on governments, healthcare providers and communities to strengthen disease surveillance and remain prepared to prevent further outbreaks.
