NCDC reports no new Ebola cases as 28 contacts remain under observation

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded no new Ebola case since confirming the first imported infection on October 20, 2026. However, 28 people exposed to the patient are still under observation.

Contact Monitoring Update

The agency stated that 34 of the 62 identified contacts completed their 21-day monitoring period by November 9. The remaining 28 contacts are still under follow-up. NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, gave the update on Tuesday, three weeks after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in a traveller from Uganda. He said the agency is sustaining contact tracing, alert investigations, lab testing and border surveillance alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCT Administration, state authorities and development partners.

Idris stated that the 21 days since the first case was confirmed is not the monitoring period for all contacts. Each person has a separate 21-day follow-up. He stressed that being a contact does not mean a person has contracted Ebola. Monitoring ensures that anyone who develops symptoms gets quick care. The NCDC urged healthcare workers in public and private facilities to stay alert, check patients’ travel histories, follow infection control rules and report suspected cases immediately. Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should avoid contact with others and call the NCDC line, 6232, before visiting a hospital.

Other Infectious Diseases

Beyond Ebola, the agency raised concerns over dengue fever, chikungunya, diphtheria, cerebrospinal meningitis and Lassa fever. It confirmed dengue fever cases in Sokoto and Zamfara states, and chikungunya in Sokoto State. The NCDC deployed rapid response teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, to help affected states. These teams are assisting with case identification, lab tests, hospital readiness, community work and mosquito control.

Idris warned Nigerians against assuming every fever is malaria. Dengue and chikungunya also cause fever, headaches, body pains and joint pains. Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and breathing difficulty are warning signs of serious dengue complications that need urgent hospital care. The agency asked states in the meningitis belt to step up surveillance, lab services, hospital readiness and vaccination as the dry season advances. On diphtheria, the NCDC noted that the disease remains dangerous, especially for children who missed routine jabs. It urged parents to check their children’s vaccination status and catch up on missed doses.