BREAKING: NCDC identifies two additional suspected Ebola cases, tracks 53 primary contacts

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified two additional suspected cases of Ebola virus disease and 53 primary contacts as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak in the country.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Sunday during a press briefing in Abuja, where he outlined measures being taken to detect possible infections and prevent further transmission.

“We have established two additional suspected cases and 53 primary contact links. They are primary contacts. We have an isolation centre and a quarantine centre,” Idris said.

He explained that Nigeria had approximately 12 public and private laboratories available for Ebola testing, adding that the agency had strengthened laboratory capacity to support the prompt investigation of suspected cases.

According to him, the NCDC is maintaining heightened disease surveillance and improving testing capabilities as part of efforts to identify infections early and limit the spread of the virus.

Idris also urged public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to strengthen screening, triage and infection prevention and control measures.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that healthcare workers have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of infection while attending to patients.

The NCDC said public health teams were identifying and monitoring individuals who might have been exposed to the confirmed case. Such contacts are monitored for 21 days after their last possible exposure, in line with public health protocols.

Idris appealed to Nigerians contacted by health officials to cooperate fully with contact-tracing teams and provide accurate information about their movements, contacts and any symptoms they may develop.

He emphasised that public cooperation was essential to identifying potential infections quickly and preventing further transmission.

The latest development comes after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on October 20, 2026.

Health authorities have since intensified surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and infection prevention measures as part of the national response.

The two newly identified cases remain classified as suspected cases; the NCDC’s reported figures do not establish that they have tested positive for the virus.

Authorities are continuing their investigation as efforts to contain the outbreak and protect healthcare workers and the public are stepped up.

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