The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated national preparedness and response plans following the confirmation of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The agency, however, assured Nigerians that there are currently no active cases of the disease in the country.
In a statement, the NCDC urged citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to safety guidelines, and restrict non-essential travel to countries where outbreaks have been confirmed. The Centre emphasized that early detection and public cooperation remain vital in preventing the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has begun a vaccination exercise for frontline health workers and contacts of infected persons in DRC’s Kasai Province, where the latest outbreak has been reported.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, internal bleeding.
Speaking with our correspondent, public health physician Dr. Omoha Amobi stressed the importance of constant vigilance in Nigeria. He identified health education, surveillance, and vaccination as essential precautionary measures, warning that no country can afford to be complacent.
“Preparedness is the best form of prevention. Every country should not only sensitise its citizens about the risks but also prioritise access to the Ebola vaccine, which has proven effective in reducing risk factors and controlling outbreaks,” Dr. Amobi said.
Nigeria experienced its first Ebola case on July 23, 2014, when Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian traveler, was diagnosed in Lagos. The outbreak, though quickly contained through rapid government intervention, caused widespread fear at the time and remains a reminder of the need for constant readiness.
The NCDC reassured Nigerians of its capacity to respond promptly should any case be detected, while calling for calm and cooperation from the public.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
