THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a health advisory following an update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
News Point Nigeria reports that the development has placed Nigeria on a “high alert” as the country intensifies preparatory activities aimed at preventing and responding to any potential threat arising from the outbreak.
A statement signed by the NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, said the Centre’s response measures would continue to be reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment.
“These measures will continue to be reviewed in line with the evolving epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment,” the statement said.
The NCDC advised travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures.
It, however, noted that “passengers from all other countries are exempted from completing the form at this time.”
The Centre also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly for symptoms consistent with EVD, and to promptly seek medical attention where necessary.
It further advised individuals to provide relevant travel or exposure history when seeking medical care, where applicable, to support early detection and appropriate public health response.
According to the NCDC, the advisory followed a Dynamic Risk Assessment as well as consultations with relevant public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The Centre said it remained committed to protecting the health of Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and response to emerging and ongoing public health threats.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a total of 7,672 confirmed cases as of September 20, 2026, including 3,699 related deaths, based on data available up to September 19.
The update also showed that 886 patients were hospitalised in isolation, representing an increase of 58 new confirmed cases and 23 deaths compared with the previous report issued on September 19, which contained data up to September 18.
The 58 new cases were reported across four provinces, with Ituri accounting for 38 cases, North Kivu 14, Haut-Uélé five and Tshopo one.
Among individuals who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus, 1,879 have recovered, while 79.9 per cent of identified case contacts in the affected provinces are currently under follow-up.
The latest figures further indicate that since the previous European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report of September 18, a total of 197 new confirmed cases and 94 deaths have been reported.
The NCDC said it would continue to monitor developments and review its preparedness and response measures as the epidemiological situation evolves.