The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that two suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in Abuja tested negative for both Ebola and Marburg viruses.
The confirmation comes amid rising regional concerns over outbreaks in parts of Africa.
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, September 19, 2025.
He explained that the most recent case involved a traveller who arrived in Abuja from Kigali, Rwanda, and immediately sought medical attention after falling ill.
According to Dr. Idris, the patient’s decision to report early, coupled with the swift response from the attending clinician and hospital team, ensured a rapid activation of Nigeria’s public health system.
“The decision to report early, combined with the vigilance of the attending clinician and hospital team, ensured that our public health system was promptly activated and that the risk to the public was minimised,” he stated.
The NCDC commended clinicians and staff of Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, for their vigilance and immediate action, which triggered a rapid and coordinated national response.
Dr. Idris also praised the Federal Capital Territory Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, Port Health Services, the National Reference Laboratory, airline operators, immigration authorities, and other stakeholders for their timely collaboration.
He described the response as a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s growing preparedness to tackle infectious disease threats.
Following recent reports of Ebola in other countries, the NCDC has carried out a Dynamic Risk Assessment and stepped up anticipatory measures nationwide.
Surveillance has been intensified at points of entry, while isolation and treatment facilities have been placed on alert.
Critical infection-prevention supplies have also been prepositioned to support immediate deployment.
The NCDC confirmed that its national reference laboratories remain on standby for rapid testing.
Public health response teams are also ready to carry out contact tracing if required.
Beyond Abuja, Dr. Idris revealed that the agency is working closely with state governments and partners to strengthen readiness across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged states to support surveillance officers, maintain functional isolation centres, and provide necessary resources for swift emergency response.
Dr. Idris also appealed to healthcare workers across the country to maintain a high index of suspicion, follow strict infection-prevention protocols, and promptly report any unusual cases.
He further advised Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with symptomatic individuals, reduce animal-to-human risks, and seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms, especially after travel to countries with active outbreaks.
“The NCDC remains committed to protecting the health of all Nigerians,” Dr. Idris said, stressing the need for sustained vigilance, stronger public-private collaboration, and active community support to prevent and respond to public health threats.
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