The Academy of Medical Sciences, Nigeria, on Monday raised concerns over the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, warning of the risk of cross-border transmission into Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of its Rapid Response Committee and the Academy President, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe and Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, the Academy called for intensified national surveillance and preparedness.
The statement noted that as of May 16, 2026, the outbreak had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in the DRC, as well as two confirmed cases, including one death, in Uganda.
Describing Ebola as a severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic disease, the Academy said past outbreaks had recorded case fatality rates ranging from 25 to 90 per cent, depending on the strain and response capacity.
“The recurrence of Ebola outbreaks within the African continent underscores the continued vulnerability of all nations to transboundary infectious diseases,” the statement read.
