This opinion article highlights the growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the implications for Nigeria and other neighbouring countries.The author warns against complacency, stressing that infectious diseases can cross borders easily through travel and trade.

According to the article, the outbreak was confirmed in May 2026 in Ituri Province and is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common variant that currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

By the end of May, hundreds of confirmed and suspected cases had been reported in the DRC, while Uganda had also recorded infections connected to travel from the affected area.

The World Health Organisation has expressed concern that ongoing conflict, attacks on health facilities and population displacement are making it difficult to trace contacts and contain the disease.

In response, Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert and identified several states, including Lagos, the FCT, Rivers, Kano and others, as high-risk locations because of airports, border crossings and trade routes.

The article explains that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces or infected animals, rather than through the air.It also notes that early symptoms can resemble malaria or Lassa fever, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis.Citizens returning from affected countries are advised to seek medical guidance promptly if symptoms appear.The writer recalls Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014, particularly the actions of Dr.Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, whose decision to isolate an infected traveller helped prevent a wider outbreak.

The article concludes by urging healthcare workers and the public to follow preventive measures, practise good hygiene, report symptoms quickly and avoid spreading misinformation.