Nigeria Intensifies Border and Airport Surveillance, Advises Caution as Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak
Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has ramped up its surveillance efforts at all points of entry, including airports, in response to the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
While reassuring citizens that no cases have been reported in Nigeria, the agency is taking proactive measures to prevent the virus from spreading within the country. The NCDC is also advising Nigerians to avoid all but essential travel to Uganda and other affected areas.
On January 30th, Uganda confirmed a case of Ebola, caused by the Sudan virus species, in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District. Tragically, the single confirmed case has resulted in one fatality. Ugandan authorities are currently monitoring 44 individuals identified as contacts of the deceased. The NCDC acknowledges Uganda’s experience in managing Ebola outbreaks and their swift implementation of containment measures.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, emphasized that Nigeria remains Ebola-free. However, the agency, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group, is not taking any chances. They have updated their EVD emergency contingency plan, heightened surveillance, particularly at points of entry, and optimized diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories located in cities with international airports and the National Reference Laboratory. All Lassa Fever testing laboratories are also prepared to scale up testing if needed.
Nigeria’s experience with Ebola in 2014, while ultimately contained, serves as a stark reminder of the virus’s potential impact. The heroic efforts of individuals like Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, who tragically lost her life while preventing the disease’s wider spread, underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
The NCDC has classified Nigeria’s risk level as moderate, based on recent risk assessments and the recent Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. This classification indicates that EVD, without proper mitigation, is likely to occur in Nigeria and could have significant public health consequences.
Ebola, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe and often fatal illness with a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%. The current outbreak in Uganda is caused by the Sudan strain of the virus, distinct from the Zaire strain that caused the devastating 2014-2016 West African outbreak. The virus transmits from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals.
The NCDC has outlined crucial preventive measures for Nigerians to follow. These include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms of an unknown infection, and ensuring bush meat, especially bats and non-human primates, is thoroughly cooked before consumption. Direct contact with bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases should be strictly avoided.
The NCDC also issued guidelines for individuals with recent travel history to Ebola-affected countries who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising. They should immediately call 6232 or their State Ministry of Health hotlines for assessment and testing, and self-isolate to prevent potential spread until health authorities provide further guidance.
Healthcare workers are urged to maintain heightened vigilance, ensure strict patient isolation, adhere to infection prevention protocols, and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment when managing suspected cases. The NCDC is committed to strengthening nationwide surveillance, particularly at borders and airports, keeping healthcare workers informed, enhancing laboratory capacities for rapid testing, and collaborating with the World Health Organization and the African Regional Health Authorities to monitor the evolving situation.
While the WHO has not recommended travel restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC reiterates its advisory against non-essential travel to affected countries. For further information and emergency assistance, Nigerians can contact the NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free line: 6232. The NCDC’s proactive approach and emphasis on public awareness are crucial in safeguarding Nigeria against the threat of Ebola.
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