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.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, stated that while no cases have been reported in Nigeria, proactive measures are being implemented to prevent the virus from entering the country.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of the Sudan strain of Ebola on January 30, 2025, with one reported case and one fatality in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District. Authorities are currently monitoring 44 contacts to contain further spread.
Ebola is a rare but severe disease caused by viruses 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 led to multiple outbreaks across Africa.
The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, and gorillas. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and materials. Healthcare workers and family members are particularly at risk when handling infected persons without proper protective equipment.
Dr. Idris emphasized that the NCDC, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has activated heightened surveillance measures to prevent the importation of the virus into Nigeria.
He assured Nigerians that while there is no immediate cause for panic, vigilance is crucial, as there is no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain of the virus.
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain a high level of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases promptly.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not imposed travel restrictions, Nigerians are advised to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
Dr. Idris also urged travelers returning from affected countries within the past 21 days to seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding. The NCDC toll-free number (6232) and state health ministry hotlines remain available for reporting suspected cases.
Beyond the Ebola threat, Nigeria is currently battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax. The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening surveillance and response efforts nationwide.
“Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and follow official updates from the NCDC through its hotline (6232), social media platforms (@NCDCgov), and official website,” Dr. Idris
The Ebola virus has an incubation period of 2 to 21 days. Early symptoms include sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and internal or external bleeding.
Fatality rates vary from 25% to 90%, depending on the virus strain and effectiveness of response efforts, with an average case fatality rate of around 50%.
Containing an outbreak requires a combination of measures, including case management, surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory services, safe burials, and community engagement. Raising public awareness about hygiene, avoiding infected individuals, and adhering to safe burial practices are key to preventing the spread of the virus.
While an FDA-approved vaccine exists for the Zaire ebolavirus species, no vaccine has been approved for the Sudan strain. Supportive care, including rehydration and symptomatic treatment, remains the best approach for improving survival.
Research into potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies, is ongoing.
The NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely and urges Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines.
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