Nigeria Tightens Border Surveillance as DRC Battles Fresh Ebola Outbreak

Amid the fresh outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Federal Government has intensified monitoring and screening measures at all points of entry into Nigeria. The Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and

Health authorities in the DRC recently declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths—including four health workers—had been reported as of September 5, 2025. The outbreak comes as Central and West Africa struggle with overlapping health and humanitarian crises such as cholera, malnutrition, and large-scale displacement. The country’s last outbreak occurred in Equateur Province in April 2022 and was contained within three months. Previous outbreaks were recorded in Kasai in 2007 and 2008. Overall, the DRC has experienced 15 outbreaks since Ebola was first identified in 1976.

Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans. Transmission occurs through contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats—considered the natural hosts—or through direct human-to-human contact with infected persons, contaminated objects, or the bodies of victims. Laboratory tests conducted on September 3 at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed that the current outbreak is caused by the Ebola Zaire strain.

Dr. Nse noted that although Nigeria is vulnerable due to significant international travel links with the DRC, the government had heightened surveillance. “We have intensified monitoring at all points of entry—airports, land borders, and seaports. Every inbound traveller from Congo undergoes mandatory screening and completes medical history forms” he said. He added that portals at entry points had been reactivated and that even passengers transiting through the DRC were required to undergo screening. With the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), more staff have been recruited to enhance border checks, while private organisations are working with the government to keep thermal scanners fully functional.

Meanwhile, the WHO has released $500,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support response efforts in the DRC. At a media briefing on Friday, WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths, including four health workers, had been reported so far. He noted that WHO teams were already in Kasai and more reinforcements were on the way. “We are joining rapid response teams to trace contacts, collect and test samples, and provide technical expertise in surveillance, infection prevention, control, treatment and risk communication” he said. WHO has also supplied personal protective equipment, laboratory kits, medical supplies, a mobile laboratory, and released 2,000 doses of Ebola vaccine prepositioned in Kinshasa for the vaccination of contacts and health workers.

Health experts in Nigeria have urged vigilance. An Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Genomics at Adeleke University, Osun State, Oladipo Kolawole, stressed the importance of sustained coordination across ministries, departments, and agencies. While expressing confidence in Nigeria’s capacity, he warned against complacency. “Everyone entering the country, particularly from the DRC, must declare their travel history. Surveillance must remain tight. Based on past experience, institutions such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, and our expanded laboratory networks are capable of responding” he said.

Similarly, a virologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr. Moses Adewumi, underscored the need for proactive measures. He called for strict enforcement of travel protocols and early detection through rigorous screening. “We cannot stop people from travelling, but we must ensure no suspected case slips through. Early detection is key to prevention. Now is the time to strengthen laboratory capacity, improve preparedness, and coordinate response teams effectively” he advised.

Also speaking, the Head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Iorhen Akase, noted that Ebola transmission becomes a risk only when an infected person is symptomatic. He commended government efforts at strengthening border checks but urged community-level vigilance. “Government surveillance is vital, but communities must also play their part. Anyone showing suspicious symptoms should be taken to the hospital immediately. Community alertness and quick reporting are as important as border control” he emphasised.