At least 80 people have reportedly died following a fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus in three health zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo — Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu — according to figures released by the World Health Organisation on Sunday. In response to the development, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said it has intensified surveillance efforts across the country. The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director-General, Jide Idris.
The World Health Organization noted that the latest outbreak — Congo’s 17th since Ebola was first discovered in the country in 1976 — may be far more widespread than current figures suggest. The agency cited the high positivity rate recorded in initial samples and the rising number of suspected cases as reasons for concern.
Describing the situation as "extraordinary", the WHO warned that there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, unlike the Ebola-Zaire variant, which has established medical interventions.
All but one of the country’s previous outbreaks were caused by the Zaire strain.
Health experts believed that the DRC’s dense tropical forests are a natural reservoir for the Ebola virus.
Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Jean Kaseya, disclosed that he had requested technical guidance and recommendations on the potential need to declare the outbreak a ?public health emergency of continental security.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has stepped up surveillance efforts following a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing concerns over increased movement across African borders.
Ebola, a highly fatal viral disease, is known to cause symptoms such as fever, body pains, vomiting and diarrhoea. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated objects, or the bodies of those who have died from the disease.
Responding to the outbreak, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris said the agency was keeping a close watch on developments and strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness measures.
He explained that the agency was collaborating with key stakeholders, including the Port Health Services under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to reinforce the country’s public health response system.
“NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant stakeholders, including the Port Health Services, to ensure continued vigilance and preparedness within the public health system,” he said.
Idris described Ebola Virus Disease as a serious infection transmitted through direct exposure to the blood, bodily fluids, secretions, or contaminated materials of infected persons or animals.
He added that the disease has an incubation period of between two and 21 days, with symptoms including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
Idris said the agency had continued to maintain surveillance systems for Ebola and other epidemic-prone diseases while strengthening risk communication and community engagement activities nationwide.
He call on Nigerians to remain calm and avoid circulating misinformation about the disease.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has called on Nigerians to remain calm amid concerns over the recent Ebola outbreak, cautioning against the spread of false information.
Speaking on the situation, the agency’s Director-General, Jide Idris, urged the public to stay informed through credible sources.
“Members of the public should remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation,” he said.
The agency advised citizens to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, steering clear of dead animals or bushmeat from questionable sources, and reporting any unusual illness to the nearest health facility immediately.
It also encouraged Nigerians to depend only on updates issued by recognised public health authorities.
Healthcare workers were urged to remain alert for possible Ebola cases, particularly among patients showing symptoms linked to the virus and those with relevant travel or exposure history.
Idris also underscored the need for strict infection prevention protocols, including early detection and isolation of suspected cases, proper use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and timely reporting through designated channels.
“NCDC will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary,” he added.
Nigeria received global praise for its swift response in containing an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after an infected traveller arrived in Lagos from Liberia.
Swift emergency interventions, extensive contact tracing and coordinated public health actions helped Nigeria contain the outbreak within a few months.
The outbreak also spurred major investments in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and laboratory capacity by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal government, strengthening the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leaders in epidemic response coordination.
