The Academy of Medical Sciences, Nigeria, has expressed concern over the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, warning that Nigeria remains at risk of cross-border transmission.

In a statement issued on Monday and jointly signed by the Chairman of the Academy’s Rapid Response Committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and the Academy President, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, the body called for intensified national preparedness and surveillance measures.

According to the statement, the outbreak had, as of May 16, 2026, recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda was also reported to have recorded two confirmed cases, including one death.

The Academy described Ebola as a severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic disease, noting that previous outbreaks had recorded case fatality rates ranging from 25 to 90 per cent depending on the virus strain and the quality of response efforts.

“The recurrence of Ebola outbreaks within the African continent underscores the continued vulnerability of all nations to transboundary infectious diseases,” the statement read.

The body explained that the disease spreads through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, infected animals, and bodies of deceased victims during burial rites.

The Academy recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, saying it demonstrated the importance of coordinated public health interventions, but warned against complacency.

It urged the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and the Port Health Services to strengthen surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders.

Among its recommendations were enhanced screening of travellers from affected countries, risk-based movement control measures, and improved diagnostic capacity for the early detection and confirmation of suspected cases.

The Academy also called for the activation of emergency preparedness systems, including isolation centres, rapid response teams, and adequate stockpiling of personal protective equipment.

It further advised healthcare institutions to enforce strict infection prevention and control measures, establish Ebola-specific treatment pathways, and ensure the prompt isolation of suspected cases.

The statement also stressed the importance of effective public communication to prevent misinformation, panic, and stigmatisation. It urged authorities to disseminate accurate health information in major Nigerian languages.

“The Academy stands ready to support the Government of Nigeria, healthcare institutions, and the Nigerian public through scientific guidance, expert consultation, public education, and collaborative response initiatives,” the statement added.

The body further encouraged stronger regional collaboration with neighbouring countries and international health partners to contain the outbreak.

It advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, maintain proper hygiene practices, avoid contact with bodily fluids, refrain from unsafe burial rites, and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities.

“Together, through vigilance, coordinated action, and adherence to public health measures, Nigeria can effectively prevent and contain any potential spread of Ebola within its borders,” the statement concluded.