The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a nationwide alert following the confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease. The agency warned that while there are currently no new local cases, the country remains vulnerable to the spread of viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Dr Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, made the announcement on Tuesday, noting that the detection of the virus in a traveller returning from Uganda necessitates immediate heightened vigilance across the country. The NCDC’s warning serves to remind health officials and the public that the absence of local transmission does not mean the country is entirely free from the threat of such diseases.
The alert was triggered after confirming an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in a traveller from Uganda. The agency is now working to ensure that the case does not lead to a broader outbreak within Nigeria.
Heightened surveillance and border monitoring
Bundibugyo virus is a type of viral haemorrhagic fever that belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. It was first identified in the Bundibugyo District of Uganda and causes symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting. In severe instances, the virus can lead to internal bleeding and organ failure. Because the virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, the NCDC is treating the imported case as a high-priority public health risk.
Dr Idris emphasised that the movement of people across African borders increases the risk of importing highly infectious diseases. The NCDC is currently using its Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework to track any further unusual health presentations in hospitals nationwide. The agency is specifically looking for clusters of unexplained fever or haemorrhagic symptoms that could indicate local transmission.
To prevent further importation, the NCDC is coordinating with Port Health Services to intensify screening protocols at all international airports and land borders. This includes thermal screening and the monitoring of health declaration forms for travellers arriving from regions with active viral haemorrhagic fever reports.
Health workers in major tertiary hospitals have also been directed to strengthen their infection prevention and control measures. The NCDC has advised medical professionals to report any suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever immediately to the state epidemiologists to ensure rapid response and containment.
The public is being urged to practice strict hygiene and to seek immediate medical attention if they develop sudden fever or unusual bleeding, especially if they have recently travelled to East Africa. The NCDC has stated it will continue to provide updates as the investigation into the traveller’s contact history and potential exposure continues.
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