NIGERIA ON HIGH ALERT AS EBOLA OUTBREAK HITS DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC has assured the public that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.
This announcement follows fresh reports of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC raising concern across the African region.
Dr Jide Idris the Director General of the NCDC explained in a public health advisory issued in Abuja that Nigeria has stepped up surveillance at airports, seaports, land borders, healthcare facilities, and within communities to ensure early detection and prevention of the virus
Nigeria experienced its only Ebola outbreak in 2014 when the virus was imported from Liberia leading to 20 confirmed cases and eight deaths before the swift response of health authorities successfully contained it.
Meanwhile the DRC Ministry of Health confirmed 28 suspected cases of Ebola and 15 deaths as of September 4 in Kasai Province including four health workers, Laboratory results identified the strain responsible as Ebola Zaire.
The outbreak has spread across Bulape and Mweka health zones with a reported fatality rate of 57 percent raising serious public health concerns.
While there are no current cases in Nigeria, Dr Idris emphasized that preparedness has been intensified. This includes infection prevention and control measures, strengthened border checks and community risk communication, to protect the population from potential importation of the disease.
In response to the outbreak the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed a rapid response team. The World Health Organisation WHO is also providing technical and logistic support to strengthen containment efforts.
The Ebola Zaire strain identified in the DRC has an approved vaccine known as Ervebo which has already been proven effective in past outbreaks. This vaccine provides protection for high risk populations and remains a critical tool in global efforts to curb the spread of Ebola.
This situation highlights the importance of constant vigilance, timely intervention, and international collaboration to prevent another Ebola crisis in Africa.
HOW NIGERIANS CAN STAY SAFE AS EBOLA ALERT IS RAISED
To protect Nigerians from the threat of Ebola the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC Dr Jide Idris has outlined simple but powerful preventive steps everyone should take.
He stressed the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water describing it as one of the most effective ways to cut the chain of transmission Since the virus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or infected persons, regular hygiene is a first line of defense.
Dr Idris advised Nigerians to be alert and avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding. These are common warning signs of Ebola and require urgent medical attention.
He further cautioned against eating raw or undercooked bushmeat and warned of contact with animals such as fruit bats, monkeys, and apes which serve as natural hosts for the Ebola virus.
Nigerians were encouraged to play an active role in surveillance by reporting any suspected cases or unusual illnesses especially among people returning from affected areas To ensure quick response. the NCDC has provided a toll free line 6232 for the public to call.
Healthcare workers across the country were also urged to maintain strict infection prevention protocols and to report any suspected cases immediately. Prompt reporting can help ensure rapid containment and save lives.
On travel safety, Dr Idris strongly advised Nigerians to avoid all non essential trips to countries currently experiencing Ebola outbreaks. This precaution reduces the risk of exposure and prevents the possibility of bringing the virus into Nigeria.
Finally he reassured the public that the NCDC is fully prepared and will continue to provide regular updates while working closely with international partners to monitor and contain the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected regions of Africa.
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