The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened vigilance and is reviewing Nigeria’s preparedness measures following the confirmation of an “imported Ebola disease case in Kenya”.

The agency said the case, confirmed by the Kenyan government on October 6, 2026, was caused by the Bundibugyo virus and was linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to a statement issued by NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, on Tuesday, the detection of the case in Kenya has heightened concerns about the potential for international importation through travel and population movement, including into Nigeria.

“On October 6, 2026, the Government of Kenya confirmed an imported case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, introducing a new dimension to the evolving regional situation.

“While the case was linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), its detection in Kenya underscores the risk of international importation through travel and population movement, including the possibility of importation into Nigeria,” it stated.

Patient’s Death

The NCDC said the confirmed case involved a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda, and subsequently flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the Bundibugyo virus.

The patient died, while Kenyan health authorities have commenced contact tracing and other response measures, the NCDC said.

“According to the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the confirmed case was a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC. He travelled from the DRC by road to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi, where he was subsequently isolated and tested positive for Bundibugyo virus.

“The patient regrettably died, and Kenyan health authorities have commenced contact tracing and other response measures,” the statement added.

The agency, however, stressed that Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola disease as of October 6.

“Kindly note, as of October 6, 2026, there is no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria,” it said.

Nigeria Reviews Preparedness

The NCDC further stated that it had been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and, alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments and other stakeholders, had taken steps to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness.

The agency said the measures included early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and protection of healthcare workers.

It added that a National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise had also been conducted to test response arrangements and identify gaps requiring attention.

Following the confirmation of the imported case in Kenya, the NCDC said it was reviewing the risk to Nigeria and existing preparedness measures to ensure they remained appropriate to the evolving situation.

“As a result of this latest development, NCDC is reviewing the risk to Nigeria and existing preparedness measures to ensure that they remain appropriate to the evolving situation,” it said.

“These measures will be adapted and strengthened as necessary, working with relevant national and subnational authorities and partners.”

NCDC Urges Nigerians To Remain Vigilant

However, the agency urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, advising members of the public to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is ill, particularly people with symptoms suggestive of Ebola disease, and avoid contact with the bodies of people who have died from unknown illnesses.

It also advised Nigerians to avoid handling sick or dead wild animals and consuming raw or improperly prepared bushmeat, while urging those who become unwell to seek prompt care at a recognised health facility, particularly following recent travel to an affected area or contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case.

The NCDC further urged Nigerians to provide healthcare workers with accurate information about recent travel and possible exposure, and to rely on information from official public health authorities.

Healthcare Workers, Travellers

The agency advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with compatible symptoms and a history of travel to an affected country or area, or other relevant exposure, within the preceding 21 days.

It also urged healthcare workers not to wait for bleeding before considering Ebola disease in patients with compatible symptoms and relevant epidemiological history, noting that early symptoms can resemble other common febrile illnesses.

Healthcare workers were advised to immediately isolate suspected cases, apply appropriate precautions, use required personal protective equipment and notify relevant public health authorities through established surveillance channels.

Travellers to and from affected areas were advised to remain vigilant, familiarise themselves with Ebola symptoms and monitor their health for 21 days after leaving an affected area, particularly where there may have been exposure to a suspected or confirmed case.

The NCDC said it would continue monitoring developments in Kenya, the DRC and other affected countries and work with national, regional and international partners to assess the implications for Nigeria and strengthen preparedness.

The agency also urged state governments, healthcare workers and the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing preparedness efforts, stressing that Nigeria’s experience with Ebola underscored the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing onward transmission.