The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified two suspected cases of Ebola disease in Nigeria’s North-East region, triggering fresh surveillance and contact-tracing efforts to determine their infection status.
The agency disclosed this in an update on Saturday, October 31, 2026, confirming that both individuals had been placed in isolation while health authorities commenced efforts to identify and monitor people who may have had contact with them.
According to the NCDC, laboratory investigations are currently underway to establish whether the suspected cases have contracted the Ebola virus.
However, the agency cautioned that classification as a suspected case does not amount to confirmation of infection, stressing that only laboratory results can establish their status.
Contact identification, listing and tracking are also ongoing as part of measures to prevent possible transmission and contain any potential spread of the disease.
Follows Earlier Imported Ebola Case in Abuja
The latest development comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing response to an imported case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which was confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on October 20, 2026.
The confirmed case involved a 42-year-old woman who travelled to Nigeria from Uganda through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to previous NCDC situation reports, the woman arrived in Abuja on October 3, developed symptoms on October 7 and was admitted to a private health facility on October 11. Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed the infection.
The patient and her husband were later evacuated to Switzerland on October 26, while health authorities continued monitoring identified contacts.
The World Health Organisation has also emphasised the importance of sustained surveillance and cross-border cooperation in responding to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.
NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory
Amid the latest development, the NCDC has urged Nigerians to maintain good personal hygiene, practise enhanced sanitation and comply with public health advisories.
The agency also advised members of the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities rather than unconfirmed reports circulating on social media.
The NCDC assured Nigerians that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
Members of the public seeking information or guidance can visit the agency’s official website at www.ncdc.gov.ng or call its toll-free helpline on 6232.
The agency stressed that the two newly identified individuals remain suspected cases pending laboratory confirmation.
