FRI NOV 13 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria has completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring of all 62 contacts linked to its imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, with no secondary transmission recorded, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced on Friday.
The development marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak, although health authorities warned that Nigeria remains on high alert amid continuing transmission of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking at a press briefing, NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said the successful completion of contact monitoring demonstrated the effectiveness of early detection, rapid investigation and public cooperation.
“Today, we announce an important milestone in our national response to the imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease. The 21-day monitoring period for all 62 identified contacts has been completed with no transmission from the index case,” Idris said.
He, however, cautioned against interpreting the development as the formal end of the outbreak, stressing that the national response remains active.
“While we celebrate the completion of contact monitoring, this does not mean the outbreak is formally over. Given the ongoing transmission of Ebola in the DRC, Nigeria remains vigilant and at high alert. Our National Emergency Operations Centre remains activated at Level 3 to protect the health of all Nigerians,” he said.
Nigeria’s outbreak followed the confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo virus disease infection on October 20 in a Swiss woman who had travelled to Uganda before arriving in Abuja.
The woman developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention four days later. Following laboratory confirmation of the infection, she and her husband, a close contact, were medically evacuated from Nigeria to Switzerland on October 26 for treatment and isolation.
The case triggered an emergency public health response, including contact tracing and monitoring of 62 identified contacts.
Idris commended public health officials and healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory for identifying the initial alert, as well as the contacts and their families for complying with public health instructions.
He said their cooperation contributed significantly to preventing further transmission.
With increased travel and social gatherings expected nationwide ahead of December, the NCDC urged Nigerians, event organisers, state governments and healthcare workers to sustain preventive measures.
The agency advised members of the public and travellers to remain calm but vigilant, seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms and disclose their recent travel history to healthcare providers.
It also warned against unprotected contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone showing symptoms consistent with Ebola, while urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official NCDC channels.
Organisers of religious conventions, political rallies, cultural festivals and other mass gatherings were directed to provide adequate sanitation facilities, safe drinking water and on-site medical services.
They were also asked to establish clear procedures for identifying and reporting suspected illnesses in accordance with the NCDC’s mass-gathering guidelines.
State governments and healthcare facilities were similarly urged to maintain emergency preparedness, enforce strict infection prevention and control standards, protect frontline health workers and promptly report suspected cases.
Although Nigeria has recorded no secondary transmission from the imported case, the NCDC said maintaining vigilance and preparedness remains essential to protecting public health.
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