The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that the country currently has no confirmed Ebola case, dismissing speculation that the disease could lead to the postponement of elections.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, gave the clarification on Tuesday during an online training workshop organised to strengthen journalists’ understanding of Ebola reporting and public health communication.
He warned that unverified claims about the disease could create unnecessary panic, weaken public confidence and interfere with ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.
Despite the absence of a confirmed infection within Nigeria, Idris said health authorities were maintaining heightened surveillance, particularly among individuals who had contact with a woman recently diagnosed with Ebola after travelling from Uganda.
NCDC Monitors 54 Ebola Contacts in Abuja
According to Idris, 54 people identified as primary contacts of the infected woman remain under daily medical observation.
Most of the contacts are being monitored in quarantine facilities in Abuja, while a smaller number are observing movement restrictions at home.
The NCDC chief disclosed that three people among those being monitored developed symptoms last week, prompting immediate laboratory investigations.
All three subsequently tested negative for Ebola, providing some reassurance to health officials.
However, Idris stressed that negative test results did not justify ending the surveillance programme prematurely.
He explained that public health teams must continue monitoring exposed individuals throughout the required observation period while identifying any additional people who may have been exposed.
Why Nigeria Has Not Been Declared Ebola-Free
Idris clarified that having no confirmed case currently in the country is different from formally declaring that there is no remaining risk of transmission.
He said the NCDC would continue contact tracing, monitoring and other preventive measures until health officials were satisfied that the possibility of further transmission had been adequately addressed.
The agency’s approach is intended to ensure that any suspected infection is detected early and managed before it develops into a wider public health emergency.
Ebola Patient Evacuated to Switzerland for Treatment
The NCDC also provided details about the woman whose infection triggered the ongoing surveillance.
Idris said the patient returned to Abuja from Uganda and was confirmed to have Ebola on October 20, 2026.
Following discussions between Nigerian and Swiss authorities, she was medically evacuated to Switzerland on October 26 alongside her husband.
The evacuation was arranged at the request of the Swiss government, which also covered the associated expenses.
Idris explained that the woman had shown clinical improvement before leaving Nigeria.
He dismissed suggestions that the transfer reflected inadequate confidence in Nigerian healthcare services, emphasising that it was undertaken at the request of the patient’s home government.
The incident has nevertheless prompted Nigerian health authorities to intensify contact tracing and infection prevention measures.
Quarantined Ebola Contacts to Receive ₦100,000 Weekly Support
In addition to medical monitoring, the NCDC announced financial assistance for people placed under quarantine.
APPROVED WEEKLY SUPPORT PER QUARANTINED CONTACT ₦100,000
According to the NCDC Director-General’s statement reported by NAN.
Idris said the weekly payment was approved to reduce the economic difficulties experienced by individuals unable to work or move freely because of public health restrictions.
He explained that the support was also intended to encourage compliance with quarantine requirements and cooperation with disease surveillance teams.
The agency is engaging the Federal Capital Territory Administration over its responsibilities in providing welfare assistance to affected individuals.
NCDC Warns Against Ebola Misinformation
The NCDC director-general urged media organisations and journalists to exercise caution when reporting developments involving Ebola.
He warned against publishing unverified claims, particularly those linking the disease to political developments such as election postponements.
Idris also called on journalists to protect the identities of patients and exposed individuals to prevent discrimination, harassment and social stigma.
He explained that inaccurate reporting could discourage people from seeking medical assistance or cooperating with health authorities.
The NCDC encouraged media professionals to rely on official health information and correct misleading reports promptly.
How Ebola Spreads and What Nigerians Should Know
Idris reminded Nigerians that Ebola is not an airborne disease in the ordinary sense of transmission through shared air.
The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, as well as through contaminated materials.
People who develop fever or other symptoms after possible exposure, particularly following travel to an affected area, should seek guidance from health authorities.
The NCDC advised anyone with relevant symptoms and exposure history to contact its emergency response line, 6232, before visiting a healthcare facility.
The agency maintained that continued vigilance, accurate information and cooperation with public health workers remain essential to preventing further infections.
