Following the World Health Organisation’s confirmation of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 17, 2026 — and its declaration as a public health event of international concern — the Ekiti State Government has activated a comprehensive preparedness plan. Under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the state has carried out the following measures:
·Public awareness: Stakeholder engagement with health workers, community leaders, media officers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and traditional rulers on Ebola preventive measures and prompt reporting. Radio jingles are already airing on two radio stations, while Information, Education and Communication (IEC) posters have been produced and distributed.
· Laboratory capacity: Training of laboratory personnel on Ebola sample collection, handling and transport.
· Surveillance strengthening: Training of State and Local Government Area surveillance teams on Ebola surveillance and response, including active case search.
· Technical Working Group: Inauguration of the Ebola Virus Disease Technical Working Group (TWG). An emergency meeting was held on Tuesday, October 13, following the confirmation of a case in Kenya, to assess state readiness and expedite other preparedness activities.
· Points of entry: Orientation of airport officials and environmental health officers on screening and triaging of passengers at the airport and other points of entry.
· Healthcare worker capacity: Simulation exercises and drills at the Treatment Centre (Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti), training of healthcare workers on Ebola case management and infection prevention and control, and training of the State Burial Team on safe and dignified burial.
· Stockpiling: Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, facemasks and other laboratory consumables have been procured and stockpiled in readiness.
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WHAT EKITI PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW AND DO
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials. A person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.
What to look out for:
Anybody with sudden onset of fever, severe weakness and other symptoms, with a travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya or other countries with suspected or confirmed Ebola cases. Also, anybody with unexplained bleeding or sudden death who has a travel history to these countries.
Ekiti State Government advises every Ekiti citizen to:
1. Remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic.
2. Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.
3. Watch for symptoms — fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea — particularly following possible exposure.
4. Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well. If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
5. Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the necessary information and follow public health advice.
6. Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official health authorities.
OUR ASSURANCE TO EKITI PEOPLE
Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and the country has the experience and public health systems to respond to this case. However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part.
The Ekiti State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, promises to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.
We urge Ekiti people to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone’s cooperation are critical to preventing further spread.
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EMERGENCY NUMBERS
If you see anyone with signs and symptoms of Ebola — especially if the person has a travel history to any Ebola-affected country or Abuja — please report to the nearest General Hospital or call the following numbers immediately:
07049204288
08160193629
07049204334
Stay Calm. Stay Vigilant. Report Promptly.
Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The case was confirmed by laboratory test today, October 20, 2026.
According to the Minister, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is now in isolation and receiving medical care.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has commenced contact tracing, with 44 close contacts already identified. Public health teams are identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has directed all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. Healthcare workers are to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities
