Nigeria Places 10 States on Red Alert as NCDC Raises Alarm Over Ebola Outbreak in Uganda, DRC
Nigeria has heightened its preparedness measures following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) placing 10 states on red alert.
According to an advisory obtained by PulseNets on Thursday, May 28, 2026, health authorities warned that the risk of importing the virus into Nigeria remains significant due to international travel and cross-border movements across the region.
The development comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), prompting countries to strengthen surveillance and response mechanisms.
While no confirmed case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease has been recorded in Nigeria, PulseNets learnt that the Federal Government has directed state governments nationwide to intensify disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and rapid response measures.
States identified as high-risk include Rivers, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa. Meanwhile, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, and Plateau have been categorised under the moderate-risk group.
Information obtained by PulseNets indicates that Uganda and the DRC have collectively reported more than 1,000 suspected infections and 247 deaths linked to the outbreak. Reports further show that the disease has disproportionately affected young and middle-aged individuals.
Health experts have expressed concern over the Bundibugyo strain because, unlike some other Ebola variants, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available. This has made early detection, contact tracing, and swift containment efforts critical to preventing wider transmission.
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals. It does not spread through the air. Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and unexplained bleeding.
PulseNets reported that the NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre as part of ongoing preparedness efforts. State governments have also been directed to submit readiness and response reports within 72 hours, while all suspected Ebola cases are to be reported immediately to the agency.
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The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, urged relevant stakeholders and public health authorities across the country to act decisively and proactively before any confirmed case emerges in Nigeria.
“The Director-General of NCDC, Jide Idris urged relevant authorities to act proactively before any case is detected in the country.”
