Ebola: NCDC Enhances Surveillance At Nigeria’s Borders

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified surveillance at the country’s entry points following a confirmed outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Uganda.

On January 30, 2025, Uganda’s Ministry of Health reported an EVD case (Sudan strain) in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City, with one confirmed death and 44 contacts under monitoring.

In response, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris assured Nigerians that there are no recorded cases in the country but emphasized ongoing efforts to prevent an outbreak.

“The NCDC, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is strengthening preparedness by updating the emergency contingency plan, increasing surveillance at points of entry, and optimizing diagnostic capacity for EVD testing,” Idris stated in an advisory.

While vaccines exist for certain Ebola strains, Idris noted that the approved vaccine for the Zaire species is not available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan strain.

He urged early detection, isolation, and infection control measures in health facilities and communities, emphasizing that prompt response can reduce the risk of fatalities.

The NCDC called on the public to remain vigilant, adhere to preventive guidelines, and report any suspected cases to health authorities.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and infected animals. Uganda has experienced multiple outbreaks of Ebola, with the most recent significant outbreak occurring in September 2022, caused by the Sudan Ebola virus strain—a variant for which there is no approved vaccine.

Uganda has a long history of dealing with Ebola outbreaks. The country reported its first outbreak in 2000-2001 in the Gulu district, where over 200 people died. Since then, Uganda has faced several outbreaks, including in 2007 (Bundibugyo strain), 2012, and 2019, often attributed to cross-border transmission from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a known hotspot for Ebola.

The 2022 Ebola outbreak in Uganda was one of the most serious in recent years, with the Sudan virus strain identified in Mubende District on September 20, 2022. The outbreak quickly spread to multiple districts, including Kassanda, Kampala, Jinja, and Wakiso.

Key statistics of the outbreak:

142 confirmed cases
55 confirmed deaths
87 recoveries
Case fatality rate of about 39%

Uganda’s proactive response and global partnerships were crucial in ending the 2022 Ebola outbreak. However, the event underscored the need for vaccine development, stronger health infrastructure, and continuous community engagement to prevent future outbreaks. As Uganda and other African nations remain at risk of emerging infectious diseases, investments in public health preparedness and rapid response mechanisms remain essential.

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