NCDC Enhances Ebola Surveillance Following Kenyan Case

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised its alert level following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Kenya. The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, stated that this development heightens the risk of the virus entering Nigeria due to travel and population movement, although there are currently no confirmed cases in Nigeria.

The Kenyan case involved a citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an Ebola outbreak is ongoing. After traveling from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, the patient flew to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the virus, subsequently dying.

Kenyan health authorities have initiated contact tracing and response measures. The NCDC is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other partners to monitor the situation and assess its implications for Nigeria.

Preparedness activities include early detection, isolation, laboratory diagnosis, and public health communication. Dr Idris urged Nigerians to practice hand hygiene and avoid contact with potentially infected individuals.