Nigeria Alert as Ebola Cases Rise in DRC

Nigeria is on high alert. The country has stepped up surveillance measures because of the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said travellers coming from countries with active Ebola cases might need to fill out a Health Declaration Form. This is part of their enhanced surveillance and follow-up measures.

Right now, passengers arriving from other countries do not need to fill out this form.

These measures were shared in an interim public health advisory signed by NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, on 22 September.

The NCDC said this decision came after they assessed the risks and consulted with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

“Nigeria remains on high alert and all preparatory activities are ongoing,” the NCDC said. They added that these measures will be reviewed as the situation changes.

The alert level has increased as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to grow. According to the latest WHO report, as of 21 September 2026, the DRC has recorded 7,773 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,759 deaths. There have been 1,935 recoveries, with a case fatality rate of 48 percent.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has spread to 63 health zones across seven provinces. Dungu Health Zone in Haut-Uélé Province is the latest area to report cases.

WHO noted that this geographical spread raises worries about further outbreaks near international borders. Ituri remains the main area of concern in this outbreak.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to stay alert for symptoms of Ebola and to seek medical help quickly if they experience any symptoms.

The agency also suggested that people should share any relevant travel or exposure history with health workers when necessary.

The health declaration system collects details like the countries travellers visited in the last 21 days, their travel routes, where they are going in Nigeria, and any health symptoms. The NCDC also provides an online form that includes follow-up for 21 days after arrival by state surveillance teams.

The NCDC said it will keep reviewing its measures as the outbreak evolves and public health risks are assessed.

Recent developments have raised concerns about the chance of Ebola spreading beyond the DRC.

On 22 September, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) announced it would expand disease surveillance and preparedness along major travel routes, including rivers and border areas.

IOM stated it has supported over 33 million health screenings in the region.

This outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment. The outbreak is also complicated by insecurity, population displacement, and difficulties in reaching affected communities.

The NCDC stated that its current measures are precautionary. They focus on strengthening surveillance and readiness against the possible spread of the disease.