NCDC Places Lagos, FCT, Border States on High Ebola Alert Over Deadly Bundibugyo Strain!

NCDC Places Lagos, FCT, Border States on High Ebola Alert Over Deadly Bundibugyo Strain!

Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and several border states on heightened Ebola surveillance following the emergence of the deadly Bundibugyo strain in East Africa. The agency confirmed on Thursday that emergency response systems, airport screenings, and public health monitoring have been intensified to prevent a potential outbreak in Nigeria.

The NCDC said the decision follows reports from international health agencies of confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola virus cases in parts of East Africa, though it did not specify which countries. The agency urged Nigerians to report symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding early, while maintaining strict hygiene practices and avoiding contact with suspected infected persons.

Heightened Surveillance and Emergency Response

The NCDC’s alert places Lagos, Africa’s most populous city and a major international travel hub, on the front line of prevention efforts. The FCT, which hosts the nation’s seat of government, and border states including Ogun, Kwara, Niger, Sokoto, and Borno are also under enhanced monitoring. These states share borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, making them critical points for cross-border disease surveillance.

“We have activated our emergency operations centres in these high-risk states,” the NCDC said in a statement. “Airport screenings have been stepped up, and public health teams are on standby to respond to any suspected cases. We are also working with port health services to ensure that travellers from affected regions are screened appropriately.”

The agency added that it is coordinating with the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to implement temperature checks and health questionnaires at all international airports. Similar measures are being deployed at land borders, though the NCDC acknowledged that porous borders remain a challenge.

Public Health Implications for Nigeria

The Bundibugyo strain, named after the Bundibugyo district in Uganda where it was first identified in 2007, is one of the six known species of the Ebola virus. It has a case fatality rate ranging from 25 to 50 percent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Unlike the more common Zaire strain, which has caused major outbreaks in West Africa, the Bundibugyo strain is less well-known but equally deadly.

For Nigeria, the alert represents a significant public health challenge. The country’s healthcare system, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing struggles with Lassa fever and cholera outbreaks, faces additional strain. The NCDC has emphasised that early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing a widespread outbreak.

“Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness, but it is preventable,” said Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General of the NCDC, in a press briefing. “Our experience with the 2014 Ebola outbreak taught us that swift action, community engagement, and robust surveillance are our best defences. We are applying those lessons now.”

Symptoms and Prevention Measures

The NCDC has urged Nigerians to be vigilant for symptoms of Ebola, which include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding. The agency stressed that early medical attention significantly improves survival chances.

Health officials have advised the public to:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
• Avoid direct contact with body fluids of people suspected to have Ebola.
• Refrain from handling or consuming bushmeat, particularly bats and non-human primates.
• Report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility immediately.

The NCDC has also cautioned against self-medication and reliance on traditional remedies, which can delay proper treatment and increase the risk of transmission.

Regional and International Response

The alert comes as African countries strengthen cross-border disease surveillance and emergency preparedness measures. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has been monitoring the situation in East Africa and has deployed technical teams to support affected countries.

The WHO has also activated its incident management system for the region, providing guidance on case management, infection prevention and control, and safe burials. The international health agency has urged countries to maintain vigilance, particularly at points of entry.

“This is a reminder that infectious diseases know no borders,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Solidarity and coordination among African nations are essential to contain this threat. We commend Nigeria for its proactive approach.”

Pan-African Significance

The NCDC’s alert underscores the interconnected nature of public health security across Africa. As the continent’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria’s preparedness has implications for the entire region. An outbreak in Nigeria could quickly spread to neighbouring countries, overwhelming already fragile health systems.

The Bundibugyo strain also highlights the need for continued investment in African health infrastructure, research, and surveillance. Many African countries lack the laboratory capacity to quickly identify rare Ebola strains, and vaccine development for Bundibugyo remains in early stages.

“This is a wake-up call for Africa to strengthen its health systems,” said Dr. John Nkengasong, former director of Africa CDC. “We cannot afford to be reactive. We must build resilient systems that can detect and respond to outbreaks before they become epidemics.”

What Happens Next

The NCDC has said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public. The agency has also activated its national emergency operations centre to coordinate response efforts across all states.

Health officials are urging Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, and to rely only on official sources for information. The NCDC has set up a toll-free helpline (0800-970-000-10) for reporting suspected cases and seeking guidance.

In the coming weeks, the NCDC plans to conduct simulation exercises in high-risk states to test the readiness of emergency response teams. The agency is also working with international partners to secure additional diagnostic supplies and personal protective equipment.

“We are prepared, but we need the cooperation of every Nigerian,” Dr. Adetifa said. “Ebola is a collective threat, and only a collective response will keep us safe.”

Sources

• Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
• BBC News
• Reuters
• Al Jazeera
• Channels Television