Ebola: 28 Contacts Still Under Surveillance, 34 Cleared — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that 28 people identified as contacts of the country’s imported Ebola case are still under surveillance, while 34 others have completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period.

The Director-General of the agency, Dr Jide Idris, announced the figures in a national health security update released on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

According to the agency, a total of 62 contacts have been identified in connection with the confirmed case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease, a strain of Ebola.

Idris said Nigeria had recorded only one confirmed imported case as of November 9, with no additional infections reported.

He explained that the ongoing monitoring exercise was part of efforts to detect possible symptoms early and prevent further transmission.

The NCDC chief emphasised that being identified as a contact does not mean an individual has contracted the virus. Each contact is monitored for 21 days, corresponding to the disease’s incubation period.

He also cautioned Nigerians against confusing the 21 days since confirmation of the index case with the separate monitoring period applicable to each identified contact.

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

Measures include contact tracing, investigation of reported alerts, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, safe clinical care and surveillance at the country’s points of entry.

The index patient, a woman who travelled to Nigeria from Uganda, was confirmed to have the infection on October 20. She was subsequently evacuated to Switzerland for further medical treatment.

The NCDC had earlier projected that monitoring of all identified contacts would be completed by November 13, depending on when each person’s individual follow-up period expires.

The agency urged healthcare workers in public and private facilities to remain vigilant, establish patients’ travel and exposure histories, observe infection prevention procedures and promptly report suspected cases.

It also advised anyone who develops symptoms following possible exposure to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a health facility.

The NCDC said heightened surveillance would continue across the country as part of efforts to prevent additional infections and protect public health.