NCDC places Kano, FCT, Lagos and 7 others on high Ebola alert

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has placed Kano, FCT, Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba and Adamawa on high alert for Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda and DRC. The alert follows WHO declaration of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Over 1,000 suspected infections and 247 deaths reported in affected countries, with young and middle-aged persons mostly affected. Nigeria remains vulnerable due to increased international travel and porous borders. No cases confirmed in Nigeria yet, but NCDC warns early detection is critical.

Unlike other Ebola variants, there's no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo strain. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials—not airborne. Symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and unexplained bleeding.

NCDC Emergency Operations Centre is on alert mode. States must submit readiness reports within 72 hours and immediately report any suspected cases. Nigeria's past Ebola success depended on swift response and public cooperation.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/29/ebola-kano-fct-lagos-seven-others-on-ncdc-high-risk-alert/