By Iyemah David
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has called on Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention for any unusual symptoms as part of heightened vigilance against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following ongoing outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said this in a public health advisory on Sunday, in Abuja, made available to the newsmen.
Dr Idris said that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, the agency is strengthening surveillance and preparedness measures across the country.
He noted that the warning is part of efforts to ensure early detection and rapid response to any potential importation of the virus, especially given increased regional travel and cross-border movement.
“Early reporting of unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility remains critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases,” the advisory stated.
According to the agency, symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe cases may present with unexplained bleeding.
“Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, secretions, or contaminated materials of infected persons or animals.
“The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.
“The disease has recorded recurring outbreaks in parts of Central and West Africa over the years, with the DRC experiencing multiple episodes due to persistent zoonotic spillover risks and complex health system challenges.
“Uganda has also previously reported outbreaks linked to cross-border transmission patterns in the region,” he stated.
The NCDC DG explained that it is currently intensifying event-based surveillance, supporting laboratory readiness, reinforcing infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, and strengthening risk communication and community engagement nationwide.
He also said it is working with relevant stakeholders, including the Port Health Services under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to enhance border surveillance and maintain public health security.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid misinformation, practice regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with sick persons’ bodily fluids, and refrain from handling bushmeat from unknown sources.
He also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Ebola in patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel history, ensure early isolation of suspected cases, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and promptly report suspected cases through established channels.
He, however assured Nigerians of continued monitoring of the regional situation and promised timely updates as necessary.
Meanwhile, Nigeria recorded its first and only Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in July 2014, when an infected Liberian-American diplomat, Mr Patrick Sawyer, entered the country through Lagos on 20 July 2014.
The first confirmed case was announced on 23 July 2014, and he later died on 25 July 2014.
The outbreak led to a limited number of secondary cases, but Nigeria mounted a rapid response involving contact tracing, isolation, and surveillance.
In total, the country recorded 20 confirmed cases and 8 deaths.
The outbreak was successfully contained, and Nigeria was declared Ebola-free on 20 October 2014 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), following 42 days without new cases.
