#Nigeria, Government Provides Update of #Abuja #Ebola Case As #Genetic Analysis Shows Virus Is Related to that Identified in #Kenya (MoH, Oct. 24 '26)

{From Social Media Page of Nigeria's Ministry of Health}

PRESS RELEASE | Abuja, Nigeria | 23 October 2026

FG PROVIDES UPDATE ON FCT EBOLA  CASE AS GENETIC ANALYSIS SHOWS VIRUS IS RELATED TO VIRUS IDENTIFIED IN KENYA

    The Federal Government has provided an update on the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reporting  that genomic analysis indicates that the virus identified in Nigeria is genetically related to the virus identified in a case in Kenya. 

    Further investigations are, however, required to establish whether the two  cases are epidemiologically linked.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad  Ali Pate, said the findings provide important scientific information,  while emphasising that further investigations are required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked.

    The genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Institute of Genomics and Global  Health (IGH) at Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, led by Professor Christian  Happi. Prof. Pate commended both institutions for their speed  and scientific rigour, while reiterating that genetic relatedness between viruses  does not, in itself, establish a direct transmission link between cases.

    Prof. Pate stated that identified contacts of the confirmed case remain  under active monitoring. 

    Some have tested negative, while results for others are still pending.

    The Coordinating Minister said the Federal Government was  strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk  communication and infection prevention and control. Healthcare facilities have  been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health  authorities, while additional training and sensitisation for healthcare workers will  support the effective implementation of response protocols.

    In a related announcement, the Director General of the NCDC stated that  the agency would begin issuing short daily updates to the public from 24 October  2026, in line with its public health guidelines. The updates will provide regular  information as the situation evolves.

    The Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe all  recommended safety precautions, follow official public health guidance and avoid  spreading misinformation or unverified reports. He advised the public to obtain  updates from recognised health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal  Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the  outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission,  while calling for continued cooperation from the public and all relevant stakeholders.

Ado Bako | Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations 

Source: 

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/De4DBG2t2nE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&psln=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&srtk=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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#Ebola disease caused by #Bundibugyo virus - #DRC, #Kenya and #Nigeria (#WHO D.O.N., Oct. 23 '26)

{Extracts}

Situation at a glance

    Since the publication of the previous Disease Outbreak News on 8 October 2026, the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak has expanded geographically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as in the African Region, with Kenya and Nigeria reporting imported cases. 

    Sustained, high-level transmission continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of 9704 confirmed cases, including 4687 deaths (crude case fatality ratio: 48.3%), have been reported across 66 health zones in eight provinces. 

    The high proportion of deaths occurring in communities continues to highlight challenges in early case detection and timely access to appropriate care. 

    Of the 482 deaths reported since the previous update, 307 occurred in communities and 175 in treatment centres. 

    On 6 October 2026, the Ministry of Health of Kenya reported the first laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in Kenya in an individual who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Kenya via Uganda. 

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of nine cases of BVD including one death, has been reported in Kenya. 

    The eight additional cases are all known contacts of the first imported case. 

    There is currently no evidence of wider community transmission. 

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria confirmed an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja in a patient who had travelled from Uganda to the country. 

    The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. Further investigations are ongoing to better understand the complete travel history and the possible source of exposure. 

    These developments underscore the need for sustained readiness in the region, including cross-border surveillance, points of entry monitoring, timely case detection and coordinated preparedness and response measures. 

    WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, affected countries.

Description of the situation

    Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 8 October 2026, additional confirmed cases and deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Cases have been reported in five countries since the declaration of the outbreak on 15 May 2026: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, France, and more recently, Kenya and Nigeria. 

    Nigeria is the fifth country affected by the ongoing outbreak, highlighting the continued risk of cross-border transmission.  

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    An additional 976 confirmed cases, including 482 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published.

    In the most recent 24-hour period, as of 20 October, 67 new confirmed cases were reported, with Ituri accounting for 37 cases, Nord Kivu for 29, and Tshopo for one case. No new cases were reported in Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Nord Ubangi, Sud Kivu or Sud-Ubangi during that period.

    As of 20 October, cumulative confirmed cases have reached 9704, including 4687 deaths and 2595 recoveries. The overall crude CFR is 48.3%.

    Confirmed cases have now been identified in 66 health zones across eight provinces. Fifty of the 66 affected zones reported at least one new case during the preceding 21 days, while 16 reported no recent cases. Mandima, Beni and Bunia have reported the highest number of cases and deaths in the preceding 21 days. 

    Ituri remains the most extensively affected province, with 28 of 36 health zones reporting cases during this outbreak, followed by Nord Kivu (17/34), Haut-Uélé (7/13), Tshopo (7/23), Bas-Uélé (4/11), Sud Kivu (1/34), Sud-Ubangi (1/16) and Nord-Ubangi (1/11). Nord-Ubangi is the most recently affected province reporting three confirmed cases including one death and Dakwa in Haut-Uélé is the most recently affected health zone.

(...)

    Ituri remains the epicentre, with 7040 cumulative confirmed cases and 3271 deaths. 

    Nord Kivu follows with 2146 confirmed cases and 1199 deaths, and continues to record the highest provincial CFR, at 55.9%. 

    Haut-Uélé has reported 421 cases and 183 deaths, while Tshopo has recorded 76 cases and 27 deaths. 

    The less-affected provinces continue to report substantially fewer cases, but transmission persists in several of them. 

    The continued occurrence of cases across multiple provinces shows that the outbreak remains geographically active even as intensity varies between health zones.

    Out of 30 130 contacts under follow-up across six provinces, 24 017 were seen in the last 24 hours corresponding to a follow-up rate of 79.7%, up from 77.8% the previous day, but remaining below the required threshold of 95.0%. Two provinces were at or above the 95.0% threshold: Bas-Uélé (98.9%; 740/748) and Sud-Ubangi (97.3%; 109/112). Four provinces were below the threshold: Haut-Uélé (89.9%; 1286/1430), Ituri (92.8% (6382/6879), with 7 contacts becoming suspected cases, Tshopo (83.7%; 1077/12 086) and Nord-Kivu (73.3%; 14 423/19 675), with performance in Nord-Kivu remaining insufficient. Strengthened contact follow-up is required, particularly in provinces below the target, to achieve the minimum threshold of 95%.

(...)

Kenya

    On 6 October 2026, the Ministry of Health of Kenya reported its first laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in an adult male who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo via Uganda by road and arrived in Nairobi on 3 October by air. The case had been ill with other comorbidities for approximately one month and received care at several hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was isolated upon arrival at a hospital in Nairobi. Samples collected on 5 October tested positive for Bundibugyo virus at two national laboratories. Despite supportive care, the patient died on 5 October and was given a safe and dignified burial on 6 October.

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of nine cases, including one death, has been reported in Kenya.  All eight secondary cases are epidemiologically linked to the imported index case and associated with one cluster. They include four family members and four health and care workers. All new cases were under quarantine at the time of symptom onset and are currently in isolation and receiving appropriate supportive care and treatment at two designated facilities.

    There is currently no evidence of transmission outside this cluster.

    As of 20 October, all of the 135 contacts have been traced and quarantined.

(...)

Nigeria

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria reported one laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, becoming the fifth country to detect the virus since the outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 15 May 2026. The case developed symptoms on 7 October, four days after arriving in Nigeria, sought care in Abuja on 11 October and tested positive for Bundibugyo virus on 20 October 2026. The case is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

    As of 20 October, 44 contacts had been identified and are being monitored. National authorities, with support from WHO and partners, have intensified contact tracing, case investigation and infection prevention and control measures, including the provision of essential supplies and personal protective equipment for health workers. Investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of infection and reconstruct the travel and exposure history. WHO has urged countries across the region to strengthen surveillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity, rapid response readiness and cross-border preparedness to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

(...)

WHO risk assessment

    On 14 August 2026, WHO reassessed the risk of the outbreak of BVD. The risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo was separated from the risk for other countries in the African Region.

    The risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was assessed as very high, the risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo was assessed as high, and the risks for the rest of the African region and at the global level was again assessed as low. For further information, please see WHO Rapid Risk Assessment-Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo v4.

    In light of the evolving situation and newly available information, the rapid risk assessment is currently being revised to reassess the risk in affected countries, the African region and globally.  

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON622

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#Threat #assessment brief – Importation of #Ebola disease cases caused by #Bundibugyo virus to #Kenya and #Nigeria – 23 October 2026 (ECDC, edited)

 

{Extract}

23 October 2026

Kenya and Nigeria have recently reported imported Ebola disease cases in their countries. In Kenya, the detection of an imported case was reported in Nairobi, where secondary cases were also reported. In Nigeria, a case in a person with travel history to Uganda was detected in Abuja. This has occurred in the context of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and cases reported in Uganda this spring. 

    This Threat Assessment Brief assesses the risk for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to the newly affected areas, and the overall risk for the general EU/EEA population. It is intended for public health authorities in the EU/EEA.

Epidemiological situation

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria reported one confirmed Ebola disease case caused by BDBV in a person who travelled from Uganda via an international flight on 3 October 2026. 

    Symptom onset was on 7 October and the person was admitted to hospital on 11 October. 

    The confirmation of Ebola disease caused by BDBV was made on 20 October. 

    Contact tracing is currently under way, with 44 contacts being followed up.

    As of 23 October 2026, Kenya has reported nine confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including one death. 

    The first individual, reported on 6 October, developed symptoms while in DRC and travelled to Kenya via Uganda on 3 October. 

    All eight secondary cases (four relatives and four healthcare workers) were linked to the first imported case and were in quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    Contact tracing activities are ongoing in Kenya, with all listed contacts (135 people) being followed up as of 22 October 2026.

    As of 21 October 2026, 9 704 confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including 4 687 deaths, have been reported from eight provinces in DRC (data until 20 October 2026), where community transmission is still ongoing. 

    In Uganda, a total of 20 cases, including two deaths were reported since 15 May 2026. 

    The last confirmed case in Uganda was reported on 21 June 2026.

Risk assessment

    The likelihood of infection for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is assessed as low, providing they adhere to recommended precautionary measures. 

    Although infection with BDBV leads to severe disease at an individual level, the impact for people from the EU/EEA living in and travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low at the population level. 

    Therefore, overall, the current risk for people from the EU/EEA living or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low.

    Based on the experience from the current and previous Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa, it is expected that the importation of cases to Europe will remain rare events and will mainly concern medical evacuations for treatment. 

    The likelihood of secondary transmission of BDBV and sustained transmission within the EU/EEA following an imported case is considered very low, as cases are likely to be promptly identified and isolated, and recommended control measures would be implemented. 

    The population-level public health impact in the EU/EEA is expected to be very low as only very few cases are expected. 

    Therefore, the overall risk of BDBV for the general population in the EU/EEA is assessed as very low.

Recommendations

    EU/EEA countries should remain vigilant, strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities for detecting and managing potential imported Ebola disease cases, and provide travel advice to people living in and travelling to/from affected areas.

    ECDC does not recommend any travel restrictions for travellers to or from Kenya and Nigeria. Exit screening from the affected areas and countries, including symptom checks and exposure assessments is an important measure that contributes to reducing the risk by identifying symptomatic travellers before they board, and preventing them travelling while symptomatic.

    Entry screening of incoming travellers from areas affected in the current outbreak is not proven to be an efficient measure to detect imported cases, and is also a highly complex public health intervention.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/threat-assessment-brief-importation-ebola-disease-cases-caused-bundibugyo-virus

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#Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak in #DRC, #Kenya, #Nigeria - Weekly #Report No. 23, Data as of 19 Oct. '26 (WHO, summary)

 

{Summary}

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Event description

    The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak is becoming increasingly  challenging, marked by an expanding cluster of cases linked  to the imported index case in Kenya, further geographic expansion into a new  province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the confirmation of a case  in Nigeria. 

    These developments highlight the widening international dimension  and the growing complexity of the outbreak, particularly in the  Democratic Republic of the Congo, where escalating insecurity, population  displacement and restricted humanitarian access threaten to further undermine  surveillance and response operations.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    As of 19 October 2026, the BVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of  the Congo has affected 66 health zones across eight provinces, following  the recent expansion into Wapinda Health Zone in Nord-Ubangi Province. 

    Since External Situation Report #22, an additional 572 confirmed cases and 265 confirmed deaths have been reported, bringing the cumulative total to  9637 confirmed cases, including 4646 confirmed deaths [crude case fatality ratio (CFR) 48.2%].

    Transmission remains highly heterogeneous across affected areas. Ituri  continues to account for the largest proportion of cumulative confirmed  cases (72.7%), although its relative contribution is declining, while substantial  transmission persists in Nord-Kivu and Haut-Uélé.

    National daily incidence increased steadily from May, reaching its highest  levels in late July and mid-August, before fluctuating at persistently high  levels through September. Following a decline in late September,  incidence rebounded in early October. 

    The most recent seven-day moving average indicates a modest upward trend, suggesting renewed intensification of transmission. Provincial trends  remain heterogeneous. Ituri shows a slight recent rebound despite an overall  decline from its August peak, while Nord-Kivu continues to experience elevated  but fluctuating transmission. 

    Haut-Uélé remains relatively stable with a slight increase, and Tshopo  shows renewed upward activity. Transmission remains sporadic in Bas-Uélé, with  newly reported cases in Nord-Ubangi, while Sud-Kivu and Sud-Ubangi report no recent transmission in the last 21 days (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1. Daily national trend in confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases, with  seven-day moving average, by date of report, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 19 October 2026

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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(...)

Trend Analysis (21-day comparison):

    During the most recent 21-day period (29 September – 19 October 2026),  a total of 1466 confirmed cases were reported nationally, compared with 1328  cases during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28 September), representing an increase  of 138 cases (+10.4%). 

    Provincial trends remain heterogeneous. Cases increased in Ituri from 757  to 785 (+3.7%), accounting for 53.5% of national cases during the latest  period. In Nord-Kivu, cases increased from 460 to 564 (+22.6%), accounting for  38.5% of national cases while in Haut-Uélé cases decreased slightly from 82 to 81  (−1.2%), accounting for 5.5% of national cases.

    During the same period, a total of 692 confirmed deaths were reported  nationally, compared with 644 deaths during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28  September), representing an increase of 48 deaths (+7.5%). Deaths increased  from 302 to 374 (+23.8%) in Ituri, from 213 to 269 (+26.3%) in Nord-Kivu, from  35 to 38 (+8.6%) in Haut-Uélé, and from seven to ten (+42.9%) in Tshopo.  The increase in confirmed deaths, particularly in Ituri and Nord-Kivu,  reflects a worsening mortality burden alongside rising national case incidence.

(...)

    Transmission remained active in more than three-quarters of all health  zones affected since the start of the outbreak. 

    Of the 66 health zones affected to date, 50 (75.8%) reported at least one  new confirmed case during the most recent 21 days (29 September – 19 October  2026). Case incidence increased in 31 health zones while 21 health zones reported a decreased in cases comparing the two periods. The largest absolute  increase occurred in Mandima, Ituri (87 to 216 cases; +148.3%), while  substantial increases were also observed in Mambasa (12 to 45; +275.0%) and  several health zones in Nord-Kivu, particularly Mabalako (22 to 47; +113.6%),  Oicha (17 to 28; +64.7%) and Beni (158 to 194; +22.8%) (Figure 4).

    There were also 16 health zones without a new case in the last 21 days.  These include Adja, Ariwara, Aungba, Boga, Drodro, Kambala and Mahagi in Ituri;  Goma in Nord-Kivu; Dungu and Gombari in Haut-Uélé; Lubunga and Wanie-Rukula in Tshopo; Miti-Murhesa in Sud-Kivu; Buta and Viadana in Bas-Uélé; and Bulu in Sud-Ubangi.

(...)

    Weekly confirmed deaths (Figure 6) declined by 5.2%, from 233 during  5–11 October to 221 during 12–18 October 2026, reversing the upward trend  observed over the preceding two weeks. Community deaths decreased from 157  to 135 (−14.0%), while deaths in treatment facilities increased from 76 to 86  (+13.2%). Consequently, the proportion of deaths occurring in the community  declined from 67.4% to 61.1%. Despite the overall reduction, more than six in ten  confirmed deaths continued to occur in the community, highlighting persistent  challenges in early case detection, timely referral and access to treatment.

(...)

Kenya

    Since the previous report, Kenya has confirmed eight additional cases of BVD, bringing the cumulative total to nine cases, including one death (CFR: 11.1%). 

    

    All eight new cases were epidemiologically linked to the imported index  case and were already under quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    The secondary cases included four family members and four hospital  staff.

    Of the nine confirmed cases, seven were male and two were female,  with ages ranging from 24 to 65 years. 

    Eight patients are currently in isolation and receiving treatment at two  designated facilities. All are reportedly in stable condition.

    A total of 135 contacts have been listed, comprising 46 airport staff, 45  hospital staff, 26 passengers, 14 relatives and four flight crew members. 

    Of these, eight have tested positive for BVD (four relatives and four  hospital staff). 

    Eight passengers travelled outside Kenya, and the authorities in their  destination countries were notified. Among the 119 contacts remaining under  follow-up in Kenya, 118 (99.2%) are in quarantine, while one passenger remains  outside quarantine.

(...)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Nigeria

    On 20 October 2026, the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria announced a confirmed case of BVD in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

    The case involved a woman who reportedly travel from Uganda to  Nigeria on 3 October 2026. She developed symptoms on 7 October 2026 and  sought care at a private health facility on 11 October 2026. 

    Following clinical deterioration, laboratory testing confirmed BVD on 20  October 2026. The patient is currently in isolation and receiving treatment. 

    A total of 44 close contacts have so far been identified, including  healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Additional  investigation is underway to establish her travel itinerary, including all those who may have been potentially exposed while the case was symptomatic. 

(...)

Situation interpretation

    The BVD outbreak remains at a critical juncture, with sustained  transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international  spread highlighting persistent gaps in outbreak containment. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, escalating insecurity,  displacement and restricted humanitarian access are further challenging response  operations and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. 

    In Kenya, the identification of all secondary cases among known, quarantined contacts is encouraging, suggesting that transmission  chains remain traceable, although continued surveillance is essential to detect any  unrecognized spread. 

    In Nigeria, the prolonged period between symptom onset and confirmation  raises concern about potentially undetected exposures and secondary  transmission, requiring urgent retrospective investigation and intensified  surveillance. 

    Priorities should focus on targeted interventions in transmission hotspots, restoring operational access in insecure areas,  strengthening early detection and rapid containment, and intensifying coordinated  cross-border surveillance and information sharing to prevent further  international spread.

Source: 

Link: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/publication/ebola-bundibugyo-virus-disease-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-uganda-weekly-external-situation

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#Nigeria, Ministry of Health confirmed the first imported case of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease in a traveler from #Uganda (Min. Health, Oct. 21 '26)

{Ministry of Health of Nigeria Instagram Page}

PRESS STATEMENT  | FG CONFIRMS EBOLA DISEASE CASE IN FCT, ACTIVATES PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE

Abuja, Nigeria | 20 October 2026

    The Federal Government of Nigeria confirm one case of Ebola disease in the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation today, 20  October 2026. 

    The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight  from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received  care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in  isolation and receiving medical care.

    The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to  contain the infection and prevent further spread.

    Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified  presently, with public health teams 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 FG calls on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. Healthcare workers must 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.

What Nigerians 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.

    We advise everyone 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, including 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 Nigerians

    Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience  and public health systems to respond to this case. However, containing Ebola  requires everyone to play their part.

    The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working  together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public.  Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely  information. We urge Nigerians 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.

    The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD  and NCDC will continue to provide updates.

    NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For  information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number  6232. 

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON | Coordinating Minister | Strategic Communications 

health.gov.ng

Source: 

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeuendPDfyn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&obrf=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&srtk=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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#Orthopoxvirus #Antibodies in Feral #Mammals in #Mpox #Outbreak Areas, #Nigeria, 2021–2022

 

Abstract

We analyzed tissue and serum samples from 124 wild animals from communities with confirmed mpox cases in Nigeria. Tissue samples were PCR-negative, but serum samples from 8 animals (6.45%)—3 feral cats, 4 giant pouched rats, and 1 shrew—revealed Orthopoxvirus antibodies, suggesting these species as probable reservoirs.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/5/25-1565_article

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Post-discharge #sequelae of #Lassa fever #survivors in #Nigeria: an analysis of the LASCOPE prospective cohort

 

Summary

Background

Lassa fever is one of the most important viral haemorrhagic fevers, yet post-discharge sequelae remain inadequately characterised. Previous studies have been limited by small sample sizes and unsystematic assessments. We aimed to describe post-discharge sequelae in Lassa fever survivors and explore the effect of disease severity on sequelae patterns.

Methods

LASCOPE was a prospective study of patients with PCR-confirmed Lassa fever hospitalised at Federal Medical Centre Owo, Owo, Nigeria, between April 23, 2018, and Feb 17, 2023. All patients who provided informed consent were included, with no age restriction. Severe disease was defined as the presence of at least one of the following during the acute phase: National Early Warning Score version 2 score of 7 or higher, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 2 or higher, or Lassa virus PCR Ct value of less than 25. At hospital discharge, follow-up of survivors was planned for day 60 after admission, or before that, based on medical need. A systematic symptom assessment was done at each visit. The main outcome was clinical remission, defined as complete absence of symptoms. Other outcomes were post-discharge death, symptom incidence, and prevalence of symptoms over time. Subgroup analyses were performed by age group (children aged <18 years or adults aged ≥18 years) and disease severity (severe or not severe).

Findings

Of 882 survivors (median age 32 years [IQR 22–46], 459 [52%] female and 423 [48%] male), post-discharge data were available for 807 (91%), with a total of 2603 person-months of follow-up. For three of 807 survivors with post-discharge information, only the vital status was collected. 736 (91%) of 807 reached clinical remission, with a median time to clinical remission of 19 days (95% CI 16–23) post discharge. The most frequently reported symptoms were asthenia (158 [20%] of 804), headache (148 [18%]), and post-exertional malaise (123 [15%]). Hearing symptoms were reported by only 17 (2%) of 804 survivors, which was substantially lower than previous studies. Disease severity did not affect time to remission. Six (1%) survivors died after hospital discharge.

Interpretation

Patient-reported symptoms suggest good recovery with few hearing or neurosensory disorders in most survivors of Lassa fever. Future research would benefit from extended follow-up periods and standardised diagnostic assessments, including objective audiometry, to further characterise the full spectrum of post-Lassa fever complications.

Funding

Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Oxford, EU, UK Department for International Development, Wellcome Trust, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales, and French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development.

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(26)00057-5/abstract?rss=yes

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#MERS #Coronavirus–Specific T-Cell Responses in Dromedary #Camel #Abattoir #Workers in #Nigeria Suggests Frequent Zoonotic #Spillover

 

Abstract

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is assessed to have high pandemic risk, and dromedary camels are the source of zoonotic spillover. More than 75% of MERS-CoV–infected dromedary camels are found in Africa, but no zoonotic disease has been reported from Africa where there is little awareness of MERS-CoV as a potential cause of respiratory disease. Antibody responses are a poor indicator of mild infection. We found that 47 of 60 (78%) dromedary camel abattoir workers in Kano, Nigeria, had MERS-CoV–specific T-cell responses while none of 18 controls did, suggesting that zoonotic infection is common in camel-exposed individuals in Africa.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiag095/8504072?redirectedFrom=fulltext

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Shared viral burdens: Evidence of active #Usutu virus circulation and multi- #arbovirus exposure in migrant and resident #birds at wintering locations in #Nigeria

 

Abstract

Background: 

West Nile (WNV), Usutu (USUV), and Sindbis (SINV) virus were initially detected in the African region, and subsequently across temperate regions where they were absent. Wild birds are primary reservoirs for these arboviruses and are considered major contributors to their global spread through seasonal migration. To understand the transmission dynamics of arboviruses in wild birds and the potential of migratory birds to spread the viruses at an intercontinental scale, we investigated arboviral infections and exposures in African resident and Palearctic migratory birds at wintering locations in Nigeria. 

Methodology/Principal Findings: 

Oropharyngeal- and cloacal swabs, feathers and blood were collected from resident and migratory birds at two wintering locations (Amurum and Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserves). Swabs and feathers were tested using RT-PCR for WNV, USUV and SINV, and blood with ELISA and FRNT90 or PRNT80 for antibodies. 573 birds were sampled between 2021 to 2024 across months coinciding with arrival and departure of migratory birds. USUV RNA was detected in 2.6% of feathers including a positive Icterine warbler and a garden warbler sampled prior to spring migration. None of the swabs was positive for viral RNA but neutralizing antibodies to WNV and USUV were detected in 4.5% of birds. SINV antibodies were also found in 34.1% of birds sampled across the wintering locations. 

Conclusions/Significance: 

Our findings showed that migratory birds can become infected with USUV, and potentially with WNV and SINV during their overwintering periods in Africa and highlighted a wider arbovirus risk in Nigeria. In addition, detections of viral RNA in feathers, but not swabs, suggest feathers may be a suitable matrix for surveillance in the absence of a reliable cold chain. The overall detections in wild birds at these locations highlight the need for further surveillance to define the epidemiology and public health risks of these arboviruses in the region.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674803v1

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Weak #compliance with #Nigeria’s #wildlife #trade ban imposed to curb #mpox #spillovers

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases pose global public health threats, prompting various interventions to limit their emergence and spread. One increasingly common response by governments has been to ban wildlife hunting, trade and consumption. However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of wildlife trade bans. Here we assess compliance with Nigeria’s wildlife trade ban—enacted to curb the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox)—by analysing approximately 4.5 years of wild meat sales data from 19 vendors in southeast Nigeria (988 vendor-months) alongside interviews with vendors and law enforcement officials. After matching the sales data by time of year, we found no significant differences before and after the ban in the number of vendors selling wild meat per week, the weekly mass of wild meat sold, or the weekly price per kilogram of wild meat; however, the total weekly sales price was higher post-ban. These findings, supported by interview insights, indicate widespread non-compliance by vendors, questioning the ban’s effectiveness. We propose that successful regulations require clear enforcement mechanisms, active public engagement and economic incentives to improve compliance. This study provides valuable insights for designing effective interventions to mitigate zoonotic spillovers.

Source: Proceedings of the Royal Society, Biological Sciences, https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2025.0471

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Ten Previously Unassigned #Human #Cosavirus #Genotypes Detected in Feces of #Children with Non-Polio #AFP in #Nigeria in 2020

Abstract

Since its discovery via metagenomics in 2008, human cosavirus (HCoSV) has been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces of humans with meningitis, acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), and acute gastroenteritis. To date, 34 HCoSV genotypes have been documented by the Picornaviridae study group. However, the documented genetic diversity of HCoSV in Nigeria is limited. Here we describe the genetic diversity of HCoSV in Nigeria using a metagenomics approach. Archived and anonymized fecal specimens from children (under 15 years old) diagnosed with non-polio AFP from five states in Nigeria were analyzed. Virus-like particles were purified from 55 pools (made from 254 samples) using the NetoVIR protocol. Pools were subjected to nucleic acid extraction and metagenomic sequencing. Reads were trimmed and assembled, and contigs classified as HCoSV were subjected to phylogenetic, pairwise identity, recombination analysis, and, when necessary, immuno-informatics and capsid structure prediction. Fifteen pools yielded 23 genomes of HCoSV. Phylogenetic and pairwise identity analysis showed that all belonged to four species (eleven, three, three, and six members of Cosavirus asiani, Cosavirus bepakis, Cosavirus depakis, and Cosavirus eaustrali, respectively) and seventeen genotypes. Ten genomes belong to seven (HCoSV-A3/A10, A15, A17, A19, A24, D3, and E1) previously assigned genotypes, while the remaining thirteen genomes belonged to ten newly proposed genotypes across the four HCoSV species, based on the near-complete VP1 region (VP1*) of the cosavirus genome. Our analysis suggests the existence of at least seven and eight Cosavirus bepakis and Cosavirus eaustrali genotypes, respectively (including those described here). We report the first near-complete genomes of Cosavirus bepakis and Cosavirus depakis from Nigeria, which contributes to the increasing knowledge of the diversity of HCoSV, raising the number of tentative genotypes from 34 to over 40. Our findings suggest that the genetic diversity of HCoSV might be broader than is currently documented, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/6/844

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Exotic and #Zoological #Birds Resident and Imported into #Nigeria harbour Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Virus: #Threat to #Poultry Production, Food security and Public Health.

Abstract

Influenza is a major infectious disease challenge affecting animal and human health globally, and wild birds are historically the primary reservoirs of all the known Influenza A virus subtypes. Here, we detected the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in exotic and aquatic birds in three different locations in Nigeria. On the 8th of February 2021, exotic birds: Yellow Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), Sultan chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), Lakenvelder chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), and Common pheasant (Phasianus calchicus), imported from Libya and transported across the Niger Republic border to Nigeria, were presented to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, for screening. Also, a family in Lagos State bought some exotic aquatic birds from a live bird market in Sokoto State, Nigeria, where sudden death was recorded with the birds showing few clinical signs. Similarly, the sudden death of some aquatic birds was reported in Mandela Parks and Gardens in Asaba, Delta State, few weeks after some captured wild birds were introduced to the Park and Gardens. Oropharyngeal, cloacal, and tissue samples were all collected from the reported cases. Total viral nucleic acid was extracted and screened for Influenza A viruses using real-time RT-PCR. The HPAI viruses H5N1 and H5N8 were detected in the imported aquatic (geese and ducks) and exotic (yellow golden pheasant) birds. The samples tested negative for low-pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H9N2) as well as other avian viruses, viz., Avian avulavirus-1 (Newcastle disease Virus) and infectious bronchitis virus. This highlights the role of these resident and imported exotic birds in the local transmission and spread of the HPAI virus to domestic poultry. The findings call for proper biosecurity and quarantine measures for exotic and wild birds to reduce the potential risk to animal and public health in Nigeria.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.22.634354v1

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