Nigeria: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) — imported case, Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
On 20 October 2026 Nigeria confirmed a laboratory‑positive imported case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja); the patient had recent travel from Uganda, is in isolation and public health authorities have activated an incident management system and started contact tracing. NCDC update and WHO Disease Outbreak News (23 Oct 2026). WHO and national authorities report this as an imported case (investigations continue) and advise heightened surveillance; WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions. WHO advice. National guidance issued earlier in 2026 described enhanced passenger health‑declaration and screening measures at ports of entry; public health authorities have emphasised screening, contact monitoring and isolation rather than blanket travel bans. Federal Ministry statement (June 2026) and CDC interim traveler-management guidance.
Cholera — large outbreak concentrated in Borno State (ongoing since May 2026)
A widespread cholera outbreak that began in May 2026 has continued through September–October, with transmission concentrated in north‑east Nigeria. WHO reporting shows Nigeria accounted for the largest share of cholera cases in the African Region through 30 August 2026 (69,263 cases, 439 deaths year‑to‑date) and reported 10,807 new cases in August 2026; Borno State has been the principal hotspot. WHO WER (data to 30 Aug 2026) and WHO African Region feature reporting Borno totals (as of end‑September) and response activities. WHO AFRO (7 Oct 2026). The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and partners are coordinating case management, WASH and surveillance in affected states; travellers should be aware that cholera risk is higher where safe water and sanitation are limited. NCDC weekly report (Aug 2026).
Diphtheria — sustained transmission in multiple northern and central states
Nigeria has reported a large, ongoing diphtheria upsurge in 2026 with thousands of suspected and confirmed cases and several hundred deaths reported year‑to‑date; NCDC situational reporting and state health briefings indicate that eight states account for most confirmed cases (including Kano, Borno and Plateau). NCDC diphtheria situation report and national media reporting summarise numbers and state‑level impact. Channels TV (5 Sep 2026). Diphtheria is vaccine‑preventable; NCDC and partners are emphasising case detection, treatment, infection prevention and targeted immunization efforts in affected areas (follow local public‑health instructions if you are travelling with children). NCDC situation materials.
Lassa fever — seasonal transmission with increased case‑fatality noted in 2026
Lassa fever activity has continued through the 2026 dry‑season season. NCDC Week‑40 reporting (epi week 28 Sept–4 Oct 2026) documents 1,138 confirmed cases and 268 deaths in 2026 (24 states, 119 LGAs) with most confirmed infections reported from Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue states; the report notes a higher case fatality ratio than the same period in 2025. These are locally acquired human cases (rodent‑borne and person‑to‑person transmission are pathways). NCDC Lassa fever sitrep (Epi week 40, 2026) and contemporary press coverage. NCDC recommends strengthened rodent control, early detection and IPC in health facilities; travellers to endemic areas should minimise rodent exposure and follow food/storage hygiene per public‑health guidance. NCDC Lassa advisories (Mar 2026) and TravelHealthPro (traveler precautions).
These entries summarise verified reports and situation updates available as of 27 October 2026. Conditions can change quickly; travellers should check national sources (NCDC), WHO updates and their own government travel‑health advice for current information and follow local public‑health instructions before and during travel.