The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has heightened disease surveillance following the recent outbreak of Ebola in Uganda. On January 30, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD), a strain of Ebola, in Uganda.
SVD, like the fatal Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), is an infectious haemorrhagic fever transmitted through contact with bodily fluids and tissue. The outbreak has already claimed the life of a nurse who developed fever-like symptoms and died while seeking treatment in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
In a statement, the NCDC said there are currently no cases of EVD in Nigeria. However, the agency, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners, through the National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to strengthen preparedness.
“These include the update of our EVD emergency contingency plan, heightened surveillance especially at the points of entry, and optimizing diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories in cities with international airports of entry and the National Reference Laboratory,” the statement reads.
“In addition, all Lassa Fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up testing if the need arises.”
The NCDC stated that based on the dynamic risk assessment conducted in response to the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, the risk of Ebola in Nigeria is classified as moderate.
“A moderate risk classification indicates that EVD, without mitigation, is likely to occur in Nigeria, with potential for significant public health consequences. So, we need to take the necessary precautions,” the statement reads.
The NCDC also noted that while there are vaccines and therapeutics available for some strains of the Ebola virus, the approved vaccine for the Zaire species (EBV) is not currently available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan virus.
“However, early recognition, isolation of patients, and 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.”
The agency urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing and avoiding the consumption of bush meat. Additionally, the NCDC advised citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.