ECDC deploys experts to Nigeria and scales up response

In a swift response to emerging health threats across the region, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is ramping up its efforts and deploying a dedicated team of public health experts to Nigeria following new Ebola cases, while continuing to reassure the public that the overall risk to the general European population remains at a very low level.

Following the recent emergence of Ebola disease in Kenya and Nigeria, alongside an ongoing and serious public health situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), international health agencies are mobilizing resources to prevent further spread. The situation in Central and East Africa has prompted immediate coordination between European and African public health institutions to ensure rapid containment measures, enhanced field surveillance, and technical assistance in the most affected regions.

ECDC deploys specialist team to Nigeria and scales up regional monitoring

Led by ECDC’s senior expert in epidemic intelligence, a specialist team has been deployed to Nigeria this week to work directly on the ground. The experts will provide continuous technical guidance and strategic advice to the EU Delegation in Abuja, while also extending direct operational support to Nigerian national health authorities. This assistance focuses primarily on establishing robust surveillance systems, enhancing contact tracing protocols, and reinforcing infection prevention and control mechanisms across local healthcare facilities.

This deployment represents an extension of ECDC’s ongoing direct assistance, which began when the current Ebola outbreak first started in May 2026. Over recent months, the Centre has conducted key operations across the continent, including leading a comprehensive fact-finding mission on exit screening procedures at major airports in the DRC and Uganda, as well as sending experts to South Sudan.

All of these deployments are centrally coordinated through the EU Health Task Force, an initiative designed to provide operational support, expert advice, and technical guidance to strengthen health security worldwide. ECDC continues to liaise closely with key international partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the European Commission, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Low threat level for Europe and enhanced readiness across EU Member States

According to ECDC’s latest threat assessment, the likelihood of infection for individuals from Europe who are currently living in or travelling to the affected regions in Kenya and Nigeria remains low, provided that recommended safety precautions and hygiene guidelines are strictly followed. Public health authorities emphasize that the probability of the virus spreading further within Europe is considered very low, meaning the overall risk to the general population across the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) remains consistently minimal.

To ensure high readiness across all EU Member States, ECDC has developed a practical preparedness checklist that allows national health authorities to review their internal emergency procedures and strengthen system readiness for swift, effective action if needed. This tool enables public health institutions to identify potential operational gaps and update their national containment strategies in real time.

Additionally, the Centre has published comprehensive risk assessment guidelines specifically tailored to assist public health officials if a case of Ebola disease is identified during or after an international flight. These measures are supported by detailed infection prevention protocols, technical advisory documents, and a public Q&A resource available on ECDC’s dedicated online portal.