Bitter kola, salt water not Ebola cure, NCDC warns

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a stern warning against the use of unverified home remedies for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The agency stressed that common substances such as bitter kola, salt water, herbs, and seasoning cubes cannot prevent or cure the deadly infection.

This advisory comes amid growing concerns and online rumors linked to a regional Ebola outbreak. The NCDC clarified that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed cases of Ebola. However, the agency cautioned that misinformation surrounding fake cures could incite panic and endanger lives. "There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola Virus Disease," the NCDC stated, emphasizing that early reporting, supportive medical care, and strict infection prevention are critical.

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There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola Virus Disease. Early reporting, supportive medical care, and strict infection prevention and control measures are critical. Avoid self-medication and seek care promptly if symptoms develop.

Public health experts echo these concerns, warning that reliance on unproven remedies during outbreaks often delays proper treatment and increases transmission risks. The NCDC also cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified health information online, noting that false claims can undermine public health response efforts. "Sharing unverified information can create panic and confusion. Members of the public are advised to rely only on updates from official public health authorities and credible sources," the advisory said.

The warning brings to mind Nigeria's 2014 Ebola outbreak, where rumors about salt-water baths and bitter kola consumption circulated widely. At that time, health authorities dismissed these claims after reports emerged of some Nigerians consuming excessive salt water, leading to health complications. Nigeria was later commended globally for successfully containing the 2014 outbreak through aggressive contact tracing, rapid isolation, public awareness campaigns, and coordinated emergency response.

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Sharing unverified information can create panic and confusion. Members of the public are advised to rely only on updates from official public health authorities and credible sources.