The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), through its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, has confirmed that Nigeria recorded no additional cases of Ebola disease as of Monday, November 9, 2026, although 28 people linked to the country’s first imported infection remain under medical surveillance.

In a national health security update released on Tuesday, November 10, Idris disclosed that 34 of the 62 people identified as contacts of the infected traveller had completed their individual 21-day monitoring periods, while the remaining 28 were still being monitored.

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The update offers some reassurance amid concerns about a possible spread of the highly infectious disease, but health authorities have stressed that surveillance and preventive measures must continue until all identified contacts have completed their monitoring.

“As of 9 November 2026, Nigeria had confirmed only one imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, with no additional confirmed cases,” Idris said.

The NCDC chief explained that the agency was maintaining heightened surveillance across the country while investigating reported alerts to ensure that suspected infections were identified and assessed promptly.

He said the response was being coordinated with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, state authorities and development partners.

The measures include contact tracing, laboratory testing, investigation of suspected cases, infection prevention, safe clinical care and increased surveillance at the country’s points of entry.

Idris also sought to clarify concerns surrounding the 28 people still under observation, emphasising that being identified as a contact did not mean that an individual had contracted Ebola.

According to him, the 21-day monitoring period is intended to help health officials identify possible symptoms early and provide appropriate medical intervention where necessary.

He further cautioned against confusing the 21 days that had elapsed since Nigeria confirmed its imported case with the individual monitoring periods assigned to each contact.

The distinction is important because each contact’s monitoring period depends on the relevant exposure and arrival timeline, meaning that individuals do not necessarily complete surveillance on the same date.

Nigeria confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease on October 20, 2026, after laboratory tests identified the infection in a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda.

The patient initially received treatment at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, where health authorities began investigations and contact tracing following the suspected infection.

According to the World Health Organisation, the woman’s symptoms began on October 7, four days after her arrival in Nigeria. She sought medical attention on October 11 before laboratory confirmation on October 20.

The Federal Government initially announced that 44 close contacts had been identified for monitoring as part of efforts to prevent further transmission. Subsequent investigations increased the number to 62.

The patient was later medically evacuated to Switzerland on October 26 for further treatment, following arrangements involving Nigerian and Swiss authorities.

The development prompted the activation of emergency public health measures, including enhanced surveillance, laboratory investigations and screening at international points of entry.

On October 31, the NCDC also reported suspected Ebola cases in north-eastern Nigeria, prompting additional investigations.

However, the agency’s latest national update maintained that the country had recorded only one confirmed imported case.

The NCDC’s outbreak surveillance figures as of November 10 continued to show one confirmed case, no reported deaths and 28 contacts under follow-up.

The agency has also maintained screening operations at 16 points of entry, reflecting efforts to strengthen early detection and reduce the possibility of further imported infections.

The outbreak has attracted international attention because of the wider spread of Bundibugyo virus disease in parts of Africa.

The World Health Organisation previously reported an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the disease also detected in other countries.

Bundibugyo virus belongs to the group of viruses responsible for Ebola disease.

Although it is distinct from the Ebola virus species responsible for some previous major outbreaks, it can cause severe illness and requires prompt public health intervention.

Health authorities have therefore continued to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant without creating unnecessary panic.

For Nigeria, the latest figures represent an encouraging development in the response to the imported infection. However, with 28 contacts still being monitored, the NCDC has maintained that the public health response remains active.

The agency’s priority is to complete contact tracing, investigate suspected cases and ensure that any emerging infection is detected early.

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The completion of individual monitoring periods by all identified contacts will be an important milestone in the country’s efforts to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.