By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, and eight other states on high Ebola alert following an outbreak of the deadly Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of East and Central Africa.
The advisory was issued on May 27, 2026, as health authorities intensified preparedness measures to prevent the virus from entering Nigeria.
The move comes amid rising concerns over regional transmission and increased international travel.
The NCDC identified Lagos, FCT, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as high-risk locations.
These areas were selected because of their international airports, seaports, border routes, and heavy human movement.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, officials warned that the risk of importing the virus remains high.
According to the agency, more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and 247 deaths have been reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Health experts are particularly concerned because the Bundibugyo Ebola strain currently has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment, making prevention and early detection critical.
The NCDC has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre in alert mode and directed state governments to strengthen surveillance, identify isolation centres, provide protective equipment for health workers, and increase public awareness campaigns.
Health workers have also been advised to look out for Ebola symptoms, which may resemble malaria, Lassa fever, or other common illnesses.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government reassured residents that there are no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said Lagos has maintained a strong biosecurity system developed during previous outbreaks, including the 2014 Ebola crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health authorities urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid misinformation, maintain good hygiene practices, and promptly report any suspected symptoms.
Officials believe Nigeria’s experience in successfully containing Ebola in 2014 will strengthen its response if a case is detected.
