The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured the public that there are no confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease in the country. In a public health advisory issued on a recent Saturday and signed by Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, the agency confirmed that it is actively collaborating with various government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as development partners, to enhance Nigeria’s level of preparedness and monitor the occurrence of the disease. The advisory was prompted by a recent outbreak of the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus in Uganda, which has recorded 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths as of September 5. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Nigeria and other African countries as being at a moderate risk of a potential outbreak.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the NCDC has implemented heightened surveillance, particularly at the nation’s borders and other points of entry, to facilitate the early detection of any potential cases. Infection prevention and control practices are also being reinforced in healthcare facilities across the country to protect both patients and healthcare workers. The NCDC stated that it is also focusing on contact tracing and monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed, in addition to promoting safe burial practices, all of which are crucial in significantly reducing the transmission of the disease.
The NCDC advisory also provided specific guidance for the public, urging Nigerians to maintain personal hygiene by regularly washing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers. It also advised the public to avoid physical contact with anyone displaying symptoms of an illness with an unknown diagnosis. To reduce the risk of transmission from animals to humans, the agency cautioned against contact with fruit bats, monkeys, and apes, and stressed that all animal products should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
In addition to the public-facing measures, the NCDC has also issued specific guidelines for healthcare workers, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols. The agency has also issued a travel advisory, urging Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed cases of the Ebola virus. For individuals who have recently traveled to or transited through affected areas, the advisory recommends vigilance for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle pain, and unexplained bleeding, and advises them to contact the NCDC toll-free line immediately if any of these symptoms appear.
