Nigeria on High Alert as Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak

Nigeria on High Alert as Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak

Nigerians have been urged to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda and other countries with confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the recent outbreak of the Sudan strain in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), announced that the agency is intensifying surveillance at entry points, updating emergency response plans, and expanding diagnostic capacity in key laboratories. He assured that Nigeria has not recorded any cases but emphasized the need for vigilance.

“In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has updated its EVD emergency contingency plan, increased screening at points of entry—especially international airports—and optimized diagnostic capacity for EVD testing,” Idris stated.

He highlighted that the Sudan strain of Ebola has no approved vaccine, making early detection and containment crucial. He advised Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, and refraining from consuming bush meat, especially bats and primates.

Travellers returning from affected areas within the last 21 days who develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding have been advised to self-isolate and call 6232 or their state health hotline for immediate assessment.

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Dr. Idris also warned that Ebola has a fatality rate of 25-90% and spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, and wild animals. He noted that while a vaccine exists for the Zaire strain, it does not protect against the Sudan strain currently circulating in Uganda.

In addition to Ebola, Nigeria is battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax. Idris assured that the NCDC will continue strengthening surveillance, expanding diagnostic capacity, and coordinating with global health organizations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.