From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said it’s on high alert over the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Uganda, even though no case of Ebola has been reported in Nigeria.
On 30th January, 2025, the Ministry of Health in Uganda confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Sudan specie, in Wakiso, Mukono and Mbale city in Mbale district. So far, only one case has been reported, and one death (confirmed by post-mortem). Meanwhile, 44 contacts are being followed up.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, in a statement, on Sunday, said that NCDC has activated its systems, and it’s monitoring the regional and global situations, noting that Uganda has experience in responding to Ebola Disease outbreaks, and that necessary actions have been initiated in that regard.
Dr. Idris confirmed that there are vaccines and therapeutics available for some strains of the Ebola virus, and that the approved vaccine for the Zaire species (EBV) is not available in Nigeria yet, but can be obtained from the WHO Afro, and does not protect against the Sudan virus.
He insisted that early recognition, isolation of patients, initiation of supportive treatment, implementing infection and control measures in health facilities and homes, tracing and monitoring of contacts, and safe burial practices, significantly reduce morbidity and the probability of death.
He advised Nigerians to always practice good hygiene particularly regular hand washing with soap under running water; avoid physical contact with anyone with symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis; avoid consumption of bush meat particularly bats and non-human primates which are known reservoirs of the Ebola virus, or ensure it’s properly prepared and cooked before consumption.
Healthcare workers were asked to maintain a high index of suspicion for EVD in their encounter with patients, and in the management of a suspected or confirmed case of EVD, such healthcare worker should ensure strict isolation of the patient.
Healthcare worker were also asked to adhere strictly to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures including the use of
appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like face masks, hand gloves, appropriate gowns etc; and report suspected cases immediately to the NCDC or State Ministry of Health for appropriate response and management.
The NCDC boss, however, asked individuals with recent travel history to or transit through countries with Ebola cases in the last 21 days who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhoea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising to promptly call NCDC or State Ministry of Health hotlines for assessment and testing.
