Ebola: Nigeria raises importation risk, assures country remains case-free

Nigeria currently has no confirmed cases of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) assured the public on Friday. Director-General of NCDC, Jide Idris, stated that the country is prepared to detect, investigate, and respond to any potential importation of the disease.

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As I speak, there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

This assurance comes amid outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The NCDC conducted a comprehensive risk assessment, classifying the risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high. This elevated risk is attributed to increasing regional transmission, international travel, porous borders, and the potential for delayed recognition of symptoms, which can resemble malaria or Lassa fever.

Idris emphasized that early detection, rapid isolation, infection prevention, contact tracing, and effective coordination are crucial for preventing transmission and saving lives. He urged Nigerians to remain calm, continue their daily activities, and obtain information only from credible sources, avoiding the spread of rumors and misinformation.

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While there are currently no widely available licensed vaccines or approved treatments specifically for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. Experience from previous outbreaks has demonstrated that early detection, rapid isolation, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication, and effective emergency coordination remain the most effective tools for preventing transmission and saving lives.

The NCDC has completed readiness assessments in 549 health facilities across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Seventeen designated treatment centers have also been evaluated for their screening capacity, isolation readiness, infection prevention and control systems, healthcare worker protection, and treatment capabilities. Surveillance is high at all national entry points, with collaboration underway with border authorities to prevent disease transmission.

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Hence, we encourage Nigerians to remain calm and continue to do their normal activities. Members of the public should obtain information only from credible sources, avoid spreading rumours and misinformation, and promptly report any unusual illness through established public health channels.