The resurgence of the Ebola Virus Disease in parts of East and Central Africa has triggered renewed concern among Nigerian health experts, with the Academy of Medical Sciences, Nigeria, warning authorities against complacency and urging immediate reinforcement of national disease surveillance systems.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Academy expressed deep concern over the recent Ebola outbreaks recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, stressing that Nigeria remains vulnerable to cross border transmission due to increasing regional movement and trade activities.
The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Academy’s Rapid Response Committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and the Academy President, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa Osagie, called on the Federal Government to intensify preventive measures at all entry points into the country.
According to the Academy, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo had, as of May 16, 2026, documented eight laboratory confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected infections, and at least 80 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak. Uganda was also reported to have recorded two confirmed cases, including one fatality.
Medical experts described the development as a major public health concern capable of threatening neighbouring African nations if urgent containment strategies are not implemented.
The Academy explained that Ebola remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, with fatality rates historically ranging between 25 and 90 per cent depending on the virus strain, speed of detection, and effectiveness of response mechanisms.
The group noted that repeated outbreaks across the African continent highlight the continuing vulnerability of countries to highly infectious diseases that can easily spread across borders through human movement and inadequate monitoring systems.
Experts explained that the Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, secretions, contaminated surfaces, infected animals, and the remains of deceased victims during unsafe burial activities.
The Academy reminded Nigerians that the country’s successful containment of the deadly 2014 Ebola outbreak remains one of Africa’s greatest public health victories. However, it warned that such success should not create a false sense of security.
Health specialists recalled that Nigeria was able to stop the 2014 outbreak through aggressive contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, rapid isolation of infected persons, coordinated government intervention, and collaboration among healthcare institutions.
The medical body urged the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and Port Health Services to immediately strengthen surveillance operations at international airports, seaports, and land borders to reduce the possibility of infected travellers entering the country unnoticed.
It also recommended enhanced health screening for passengers arriving from affected countries and the introduction of risk based movement control measures where necessary.
The Academy stressed the importance of expanding laboratory testing and diagnostic capacity nationwide to ensure rapid identification and confirmation of suspected Ebola cases before community transmission occurs.
Healthcare institutions across Nigeria were equally advised to activate emergency preparedness systems, including the readiness of isolation centres, rapid response teams, and adequate stockpiling of personal protective equipment for frontline health workers.
Medical professionals warned that hospitals must not delay preparations, especially as healthcare workers are usually among the most exposed during infectious disease outbreaks.
The Academy advised both public and private healthcare facilities to enforce strict infection prevention and control protocols, establish dedicated Ebola treatment pathways, and ensure immediate isolation of suspected patients presenting symptoms consistent with the virus.
Symptoms of Ebola often include fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, internal bleeding, and severe dehydration. Experts noted that early diagnosis and immediate treatment significantly improve survival chances and reduce the risk of transmission.
The statement further emphasised the critical role of public communication in preventing panic, misinformation, and stigmatisation during disease outbreaks.
The Academy urged government agencies and health authorities to provide timely, accurate, and culturally sensitive information in major Nigerian languages to ensure citizens understand preventive measures and avoid circulating false claims capable of creating fear.
Public health experts also encouraged stronger collaboration between Nigeria, neighbouring countries, and international health organisations to improve regional monitoring and coordinated outbreak response.
According to the Academy, infectious diseases such as Ebola require collective action beyond national borders because outbreaks in one country can rapidly become regional emergencies if not swiftly contained.
The organisation pledged its support to the Nigerian government and healthcare institutions through scientific guidance, expert consultation, public education initiatives, and collaborative response strategies aimed at protecting public health.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have been advised to remain calm while maintaining high levels of personal hygiene and vigilance.
Citizens were encouraged to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids, practice regular hand washing, refrain from unsafe burial practices, and immediately report suspected symptoms or unusual illnesses to health authorities for prompt medical attention.
Health experts maintained that vigilance, preparedness, and coordinated public health action remain Nigeria’s strongest defence against any potential Ebola outbreak.
They warned that while there is no cause for panic, the country must act early to prevent another public health emergency capable of placing pressure on healthcare systems and disrupting social and economic activities nationwide.
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