Ebola: Federal Government places 10 states on red alert
Following the outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed 10 states on red alert.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the NCDC warned that Nigeria is at risk of importation of the virus through international travel and cross-border movements.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) earlier declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Although no cases have been reported in Nigeria, the Federal Government has directed all states to immediately strengthen surveillance and emergency preparedness.
States classified as high-risk include Rivers, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa. Those on moderate risk include Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, and Plateau.
The NCDC noted that Uganda and DRC have recorded over 1,000 suspected cases and 247 deaths. The disease has particularly affected young and middle-aged populations.
Unlike some other Ebola variants, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. This makes early detection and rapid containment critical.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals. It is not airborne. Common symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding.
The NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and directed all states to submit their readiness reports within 72 hours. All suspected cases must be reported to the NCDC immediately.
The Director-General nof NCDC, Jide Idris urged relevant authorities to act proactively before any case is detected in the country.
