Following confirmation of an Ebola outbreak in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC has intensified surveillance at Nigeria’s entry points, including airports.
The agency has also advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries.
Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC Director-General in a public health advisory confirmed that there are no reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria.
The agency, according to him, has updated its emergency contingency plan, strengthened surveillance at entry points, and optimized diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories.
He added that all Lassa fever testing laboratories could be activated if needed.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening nationwide surveillance, particularly at borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for rapid testing.
It continues to collaborate with the World Health Organization and African health authorities to monitor developments. While the WHO has not recommended travel restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC reiterated its advice for Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.
Travelers returning from such countries with EVD symptoms should self-isolate and contact health authorities for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment center.
On January 30, 2025, Uganda confirmed an Ebola case caused by the Sudan virus species in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.
So far, one case has been recorded, resulting in one fatality, with authorities monitoring 44 identified contacts.
The NCDC noted that Uganda has experience in managing Ebola outbreaks and has implemented necessary containment measures.
Nigeria previously experienced an Ebola outbreak in 2014 when an infected Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, brought the virus into the country.
The virus is transmitted from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, and monkeys.
Unsafe burial practices and contact with wildlife also contribute to its spread.
The NCDC has classified Nigeria’s risk level as moderate, citing recent risk assessments and the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda.
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