The Nigerian Government has taken proactive measures and increased surveillance to prevent the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country following the confirmation of the virus outbreak in Uganda.
Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Abuja, disclosed that the airport and other entry points are under surveillance.
Idris revealed that there is no case recorded in the country, urging citizens to restrict inessential travels to the affected regions as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
While speaking during the interview, he said, “There are no cases of Ebola in Nigeria. However, we are working closely with relevant ministries, departments, and partners to strengthen our emergency response, update our contingency plan, and optimise diagnostic capacity for Ebola testing.
The Uganda Ministry of Health confirmed the visibility of the Sudan species virus in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District on January 30.
It was noted that about one case with one death along with 44 contacts has been recorded, and the health authorities are fighting tirelessly to curtail the spread.
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Although the NCDC boss, working with the collaboration of key stakeholders, noted that preventive measures have been taken, and he urged members of the public to remain vigilant.
He advised the public to practice preventive care, which include proper hand washing, avoid the consumption of bushmeats, and avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms of fever and seek medical attention immediately.
Health workers were also advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, use protective care, and report suspected cases.
Meanwhile, beyond this virus, NCDC DG said Nigeria is battling with the reoccurrence of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax, and acknowledged surveillance will be tightened across the nation.
Recalled that the outbreak was witnessed in Africa between 2014 and 2016 while in Nigeria, a Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, imported the virus into the country which lead to death of Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, a brave doctor that alert the nation of the deadly virus.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a severe, rare disease caused by an infection with orthoebolavirus and primarily found in Sub-Sahara Africa, with a significant mortality rate.
It can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person (body fluids such as vomit, saliva, sweat, faeces, and contaminated objects).
An infected person shows symptoms between 2-21 days after exposure and includes fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. It can cause bleeding, organ failure, and death if there is no medical attention.
