The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
Heightened Surveillance as Authorities Move to Prevent Virus Importation
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, reassured Nigerians that while there are no reported cases of Ebola in the country, heightened surveillance measures have been activated in collaboration with key stakeholders to prevent the virus from entering Nigeria.
Background on Ebola and Transmission
Ebola is a rare but deadly viral disease caused by different strains of the Ebolavirus genus. It was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has since caused multiple outbreaks across Africa.
The virus spreads to humans through direct contact with infected animals, including fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, and forest antelopes. Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and materials such as clothing and bedding.
Uganda’s Ebola Outbreak and NCDC’s Response
The Sudan strain of the Ebola virus was confirmed in Uganda on January 30, 2025, with one reported case and one death in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District. Ugandan health authorities are currently tracking 44 contacts to contain the spread.
In response, the NCDC has activated several measures, including:
- Updating Nigeria’s Ebola emergency contingency plan.
- Enhancing screening at points of entry, especially international airports.
- Optimizing Ebola testing capacity in designated laboratories.
- Mobilizing Lassa fever testing labs, which can be repurposed for Ebola testing if needed.
Mr. Idris emphasized the importance of early detection and containment, particularly because the Sudan strain has no approved vaccine.
Preventive Measures for Nigerians
The NCDC urges Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive guidelines to reduce the risk of infection:
- Practice good hand hygiene – Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizers.
- Avoid contact with symptomatic individuals, especially those experiencing fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
- Refrain from consuming bushmeat, particularly bats and primates, which are known carriers of the virus.
- Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after traveling to an affected country.
Additionally, health workers are advised to maintain a high level of caution, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases immediately.
Travel Advisory and Public Awareness
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not imposed any travel restrictions, Nigerians are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries.
Travelers returning from affected regions within the last 21 days who develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding should call the NCDC toll-free number (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for immediate medical attention.
Beyond Ebola, Mr. Idris highlighted that Nigeria is currently battling multiple disease outbreaks, including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax. The NCDC remains committed to strengthening disease surveillance and response efforts nationwide.
Ebola: Symptoms, Fatality, and Treatment Options
The incubation period for Ebola ranges from 2 to 21 days. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, organ failure, and internal/external bleeding.
Ebola is highly fatal, with case fatality rates ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the virus strain and response effectiveness. The average fatality rate is around 50%.
Current Treatment and Vaccination Efforts
While there is an FDA-approved vaccine for the Zaire strain of Ebola, there is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, which is responsible for the Uganda outbreak.
Treatment focuses on supportive care, such as:
- Rehydration through oral or intravenous fluids.
- Symptomatic treatment to manage complications.
- Experimental therapies, including blood transfusions from recovered patients, immune treatments, and antiviral drugs, are still under evaluation.
Join the Conversation
As part of its engagement strategy, the NCDC has deactivated the comment section on its website and now encourages discussions through official social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter (@NCDCgov). Nigerians are urged to stay informed and follow official updates via the NCDC hotline (6232) and its website.
By maintaining vigilance, adherence to preventive measures, and timely response, Nigeria aims to prevent the importation of Ebola and safeguard public health.
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