The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance and preparedness measures following Kenya’s confirmation of its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The development has raised concerns over the possibility of further international spread through travel and population movement, prompting Nigerian health authorities to review existing preparedness measures.
Kenya Confirms First Imported Case
Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed that a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC contracted the virus after falling ill in the country.
The patient travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before boarding a flight to Nairobi on October 3, 2026.
He was subsequently taken to a hospital in Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Despite receiving supportive treatment, the patient died on October 5.
Kenyan authorities have identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers, while efforts are also underway to trace passengers and crew members who travelled on the same flight.
NCDC Heightens Vigilance in Nigeria
Following the development, NCDC Director-General Dr Jide Idris said Nigeria was reviewing its preparedness measures because of the increased risk of international importation through travel and population movement.
The agency had earlier warned that Nigeria faces a heightened risk of importation because of regional transmission, international travel, major airports, seaports and land borders.
However, Nigeria has no confirmed case of Ebola linked to the current outbreak, according to the latest NCDC information.
DRC Outbreak Continues to Spread
The situation in the DRC remains particularly concerning.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the DRC had reported 8,603 confirmed cases and 4,148 deaths as of data covering October 4, with the outbreak affecting seven provinces.
The World Health Organisation said Kenya’s imported case represents another indication of the cross-border risks associated with the ongoing outbreak.
Kenya has already screened more than 652,000 travellers since heightened Ebola preparedness began and trained about 5,000 health workers to respond to potential cases.
Nigerians Urged to Remain Vigilant
Health authorities are expected to maintain surveillance at Nigeria’s airports, seaports and land borders while strengthening infection prevention and control measures.
The NCDC has urged vigilance and preparedness rather than panic as health officials continue to monitor developments across the region.
The agency’s response comes as countries across Africa step up efforts to prevent the deadly virus from spreading beyond areas already affected by the outbreak.
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