Health authorities are investigating an Ebola case in Nigeria as the outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo requires a wider cross-border response.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s 22 October update said the Nigerian case was confirmed on 20 October in a woman who had travelled from Uganda. Authorities had identified 44 contacts.

The update recorded nine confirmed cases in Kenya, including one death, all linked to the country’s first case.

In the DRC, figures reported as of 21 October showed 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths, using data through 20 October.

The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus. ECDC says there are no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for disease caused by this virus, making early detection and infection-control measures especially important.

International spread does not mean widespread transmission everywhere. ECDC assessed the likelihood of infection for people living in the European Union and European Economic Area as very low, based on available information.

The agency says insecurity, population movement and gaps in knowledge about transmission chains complicate the response. It continues working with African and international partners while monitoring developments.