The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has increased surveillance and security at the country’s points of entry, including airports, following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
In a public health advisory issued by NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris on February 1, the agency emphasized that there are no reported cases of Ebola in Nigeria advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to the affected countries.
“There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. However, the NCDC, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners, continues efforts to update our EVD emergency contingency plan, strengthen surveillance at points of entry, and enhance diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories across cities with international airports,” Idris stated.
The advisory follows Uganda’s confirmation of an Ebola case caused by the Sudan virus species on January 30 in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District. The outbreak has so far resulted in one infected, with authorities monitoring 44 possible cases.
Ebola, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe and often fatal illness with a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. The virus has five strains; Bundibugyo, Zaire, Reston, Tai Forest, and Sudan. The Zaire strain was responsible for the 2014–2016 West African outbreak, while the current Uganda outbreak is linked to the Sudan strain.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.
The NCDC classified Nigeria’s risk level as moderate, warning that without mitigation, EVD could spread with significant public health consequences.
While vaccines exist for some Ebola strains, Nigeria currently lacks the approved vaccine for the Zaire strain, which does not protect against the Sudan virus. However, early detection, isolation, supportive treatment, and strict infection prevention measures can reduce fatalities.
The NCDC appealed to citizens to observe safety precautions. “In the management of a suspected or confirmed case of EVD: Ensure strict isolation of the patient. Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment like face masks, hand gloves, and appropriate gowns,” the advisory stated.
Healthcare workers have been advised to strictly isolate suspected cases, adhere to infection prevention protocols, and use appropriate protective equipment
While WHO has not recommended travel restrictions, the NCDC advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries.
For further inquiries or emergency assistance, the NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free line is 6232.