NCDC Intensifies Ebola Surveillance Amid Outbreaks

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised surveillance efforts following the confirmation of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. NCDC Director-General Jide Idris confirmed on Sunday that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Nigeria.

The agency has issued public health advisories and is enhancing surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control protocols, case management, contact tracing, and risk communication activities. Idris emphasized the importance of maintaining calm among the public and avoiding misinformation about the disease.

He urged citizens to practice regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, and report unusual illnesses to health facilities. The NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant stakeholders, including port health services, to ensure preparedness within Nigeria's public health system.

The agency aims to maintain vigilance and has a history of successfully containing Ebola outbreaks, notably in 2014.