5,376 Dead and No Vaccine: What the DRC’s Record Ebola Outbreak Means for Nigeria

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 5,300 people. It is the largest the country has ever recorded, and it has spread into East Africa.

Africa CDC data released Monday show 5,376 deaths: 5,372 in the DRC and two each in Kenya and Uganda. About 10,444 people have been infected, and more than half have died.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment. Trials of Ervebo, a vaccine that works against the more common Zaire strain, are under way among frontline workers in the DRC.

Kenya recorded its first cases in October, with nine infections and two deaths. When Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visas for Kenyans, Africa CDC pushed back, warning that broad bans can drive travelers onto unmonitored routes and make countries less open about reporting cases. “The fastest path to protecting all countries in the world is to aggressively support outbreak control at the source,” said Director-General Jean Kaseya.

Where Nigeria stands

Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case since 2014 on October 20, in a woman in Abuja who had arrived from Uganda. She and her husband were evacuated to Switzerland on October 26. WHO said Nigeria had no active case after that, but clarified that the country has not been declared Ebola-free.

Over the weekend, NCDC said two suspected cases in Yola, Adamawa State, tested negative after two rounds of testing. NCDC is still monitoring 62 contacts, and that follow-up should end on November 13. If no new case appears, Nigeria could be declared Ebola-free as early as December 7.

Travelers arriving from countries with Ebola transmission must complete the Nigeria Health Declaration Form. NCDC says the federal government’s ₦10 billion emergency fund also covers Lassa fever and other diseases.

What to watch

The outbreak is still growing, there is no vaccine, and East Africa has frequent flights to Abuja and Lagos. Lassa fever season usually begins late in the year, so the same surveillance teams, and the same ₦10 billion, may soon be stretched across two outbreaks.

If you develop fever, weakness, vomiting or unexplained bleeding after possible exposure, call NCDC on 6232. If the line does not connect, contact your state Ministry of Health or nearest government hospital by phone before going in person.