The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a warning to Nigerian authorities over a potential cross-border threat of the deadly Ebola virus. According to reports by the Tribune Online, the Africa CDC expressed concerns about a possible outbreak in Nigeria, following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Africa CDC’s Director, John Nkengasong, is said to have spoken with Nigerian health officials, urging them to intensify surveillance and response efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. The warning comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC are monitoring a new Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which was confirmed on October 22. As of now, it is unclear if the Nigerian case is linked to the DRC outbreak. The Africa CDC has not said when the facility began operating, nor have they provided details on the vaccines they are developing for the disease. Premium Times Nigeria reports that the Bundibugyo strain, first identified in Uganda 19 years ago, has caused only three outbreaks, yet no vaccine has been approved specifically for the disease. The WHO, Africa CDC, and Reuters have all stated that the Nigerian patient in question has not been confirmed to have visited the Congo. DW.com reports that the Africa CDC has called for a crisis meeting as the Ebola virus spreads to Nigeria.
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