Following the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda, Nigeria’s health authorities are making frantic efforts to check the spread of the disease to the country.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance at airports and other points of entry.
The agency also urged Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.
In a public health advisory issued on Sunday, the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, reassured Nigerians that there are no reported cases of Ebola in the country.
He, however, stressed that proactive measures are in place to prevent an outbreak.
“There are no cases of Ebola in Nigeria. However, we are working closely with relevant ministries, departments, and partners to strengthen our emergency response, update our contingency plan, and optimize diagnostic capacity for Ebola testing,” Idris stated.
For many Nigerians, Ebola is not just a distant concern—it is a painful memory.
In 2014, the country faced a deadly outbreak when Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American, brought the virus into Lagos. The crisis was contained, but not before it claimed the life of Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, the courageous doctor who prevented a wider catastrophe by quarantining Sawyer despite immense pressure.
It was a battle Nigeria won, but at great cost. Now, with Uganda confirming a new Ebola case caused by the Sudan virus species, the fear of history repeating itself looms large.
According to Ugandan health authorities, the latest outbreak has so far recorded one case and one fatality, with 44 contacts under observation.
What Makes Ebola So Dangerous?
Ebola, formerly called Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is one of the deadliest viral diseases known to humanity. With a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%, it spreads through direct contact with body fluids, contaminated objects, and infected animals like bats, chimpanzees, monkeys, and antelopes.
The Zaire strain of Ebola—responsible for the 2014-2016 West African outbreak—is the deadliest, while the current outbreak in Uganda is caused by the Sudan strain, for which no approved vaccine exists.
Symptoms appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and include:
Sudden high fever
Headache and muscle pain
Weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
In severe cases: internal bleeding, organ failure, shock, and death
Most fatalities occur within 8 to 9 days of symptom onset.
According to the NCDC’s risk assessment, Nigeria’s risk level is classified as moderate—meaning an outbreak is possible without strict preventive measures.
This assessment considers:
Nigeria’s extensive international travel connections
The recent Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda (a virus closely related to Ebola)
Gaps in public awareness and healthcare preparedness
However, the NCDC assures Nigerians that it is ramping up prevention efforts, including:
Tighter airport screenings
Enhanced border surveillance
Expanding laboratory capacity for rapid testing Stronger coordination with WHO and African health agencies
The best defense is prevention. The NCDC strongly advises:
Strict hygiene practices – Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizers.
Avoid contact with infected persons – No physical touch with individuals showing Ebola symptoms.
No bush meat consumption – Especially bats and primates, known reservoirs of the virus. If consumed, they must be thoroughly cooked.
Safe handling of the dead – Funerals should avoid direct contact with bodies, as the virus remains active even after death.
Report symptoms immediately – If you or someone you know has a travel history to Uganda or any affected country and develops symptoms, call 6232 or contact your State Ministry of Health for guidance.
For healthcare professionals, the NCDC issued a strict protocol:
Immediate isolation of suspected cases
Strict infection prevention measures
Use of full protective gear: masks, gloves, and gowns
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel bans to Uganda, the NCDC strongly discourages non-essential travel.
For those returning from Ebola-affected countries, the agency urges:
Self-monitoring for 21 days
Immediate reporting of symptoms
Avoidance of public transportation until cleared by health authorities
Nigeria may have no Ebola cases now, but vigilance is key. The 2014 outbreak showed that swift action and public cooperation can stop the virus in its tracks.
For further emergency assistance or updates, call NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free line: 6232.
