Ebola: Medical academy urges vigilance, stronger border surveillance

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Nigeria, on Monday raised concerns over the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, warning of the risk of cross-border transmission into Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of its Rapid Response Committee and the Academy President, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe and Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, the Academy called for intensified national surveillance and preparedness.

The statement noted that as of May 16, 2026, the outbreak had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in the DRC, as well as two confirmed cases, including one death, in Uganda.

Describing Ebola as a severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic disease, the Academy said past outbreaks had recorded case fatality rates ranging from 25 to 90 per cent, depending on the strain and response capacity.

The recurrence of Ebola outbreaks within the African continent underscores the continued vulnerability of all nations to transboundary infectious diseases,” the statement read.

It added that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, infected animals, and the bodies of deceased victims during burial rites.

The Academy stressed that Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak demonstrated the effectiveness of a coordinated public health response, but warned against complacency.

It urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, to strengthen border surveillance, particularly at international airports, seaports, and land crossings.

Among its recommendations were enhanced screening of travellers from affected countries, risk-based movement control measures, and improved diagnostic capacity for early detection and confirmation of suspected cases.

The Academy also called for the activation of emergency preparedness systems, including isolation facilities, rapid response teams, and adequate stockpiling of personal protective equipment.

On healthcare readiness, it advised hospitals and clinics to enforce strict infection prevention and control measures, establish Ebola-specific clinical pathways, and ensure prompt isolation of suspected cases.

It further emphasised the need for robust public risk communication to prevent misinformation, panic, and stigmatisation, urging authorities to disseminate accurate information in major Nigerian languages.

“The Academy stands ready to support the Government of Nigeria, healthcare institutions, and the Nigerian public through scientific guidance, expert consultation, public education, and collaborative response initiatives,” the statement added.

It also encouraged regional collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners to monitor and contain the outbreak.

The Academy advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids, refrain from unsafe burial practices, and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities.

“Together, through vigilance, coordinated action, and adherence to public health measures, Nigeria can effectively prevent and contain any potential spread of Ebola within its borders,” the statement concluded