Panic as NCDC Identifies Two Suspected Ebola Cases in North-East

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified two suspected cases of Ebola disease in the North-East, prompting further surveillance as health authorities work to determine whether the individuals have contracted the virus.

The agency disclosed the development in an update published on its official X account on Saturday, October 31, 2026, stating that both individuals had been isolated while contact identification and listing were ongoing.

The NCDC said laboratory testing was being conducted to establish the status of the suspected cases, stressing that their classification did not mean they had tested positive for Ebola.

“Being classified as suspected cases does not mean they are confirmed Ebola cases; confirmation is subject to laboratory results,” the agency stated.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain proper hand hygiene, practise enhanced sanitation and follow guidance issued by public health authorities. It added that further updates would be provided as verified information became available.

The development comes 11 days after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Abuja. The infected woman had travelled from Uganda before developing symptoms and seeking medical attention in the Federal Capital Territory.

She was subsequently evacuated to Switzerland on October 26 for further care, alongside her husband, who had remained asymptomatic. Nigerian health authorities have continued monitoring people identified as contacts of the confirmed case.

The latest announcement has raised fresh concerns about the country’s Ebola surveillance efforts. However, the NCDC has not publicly disclosed the states where the two new suspected cases were identified, their travel histories or whether they are linked to the earlier confirmed case.

The two cases remain unconfirmed pending laboratory results. Health authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations and contact identification continue.

Members of the public are advised to rely on official NCDC updates rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.