The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified surveillance at the country’s entry points in response to a recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda.

Last week, Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of the virus, reporting one fatality and identifying 44 contacts under monitoring.

In a public advisory, the NCDC reassured Nigerians that there are currently no cases of Ebola in the country but emphasized proactive measures to prevent an outbreak.

“There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, continues to monitor disease occurrence and has initiated measures to strengthen our preparedness in the country,” said NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, on Sunday.

He further outlined steps taken, including updating Nigeria’s Ebola emergency contingency plan, enhancing surveillance at entry points, and optimizing diagnostic capacity in designated laboratories located in cities with international airports, as well as the National Reference Laboratory. Additionally, all Lassa Fever testing laboratories can be activated to expand testing capacity if needed.

On vaccine availability, Idris clarified that while Ebola vaccines exist, Nigeria currently does not have them.

“There are vaccines and therapeutics available for some strains of the Ebola virus. The approved vaccine for the Zaire species (EBV) is not currently available in the country but can be obtained from the WHO Afro and does not protect against the Sudan virus,” he explained.

Despite this, the NCDC boss reassured that early detection, patient isolation, supportive treatment, strict infection control measures, contact tracing, and safe burial practices remain key to reducing the spread and fatality of the disease.