The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, has heightened surveillance at points of entry following the reported outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Sudan species in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.
Additionally, the center has optimised diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories in cities with international airports of entry and the National Reference Laboratory.
It noted that, in addition, all Lassa Fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up testing if the need arises.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Sudan species in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District on January 30, 2025.
“So far, only one case has been reported and one death (confirmed by post-mortem). 44 contacts are being followed up. We will continue to monitor the regional and global situations. It is pertinent to note that Uganda has experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks, and necessary action has been initiated,” the Ugandan ministry said.
In an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) emergency contingency plan released on Sunday, NCDC stated that there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, adding that, based on the dynamic risk assessment conducted in response to the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, the risk of EVD is also classified as moderate.
The agency pointed out that, though the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises against any restrictions to travel and/or trade to Uganda, Nigerian citizens and residents are advised to avoid all but essential business travel to countries with confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease.
It urged persons already in Nigeria but with a recent travel history to or transit through countries with Ebola cases in the last 21 days, who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising, to promptly call 6232 or State Ministry of Health hotlines for assessment and testing.
It added that such individuals should shelter in a place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems (public or private) until health authorities reach out or await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment center if required.
NCDC explained that the moderate risk classification indicates that EVD, without mitigation, is likely to occur in Nigeria, with the potential for significant public health consequences, hence the need to take the necessary precautions.
According to the NCDC, the Ebola virus is in the same class as the Marburg virus and both are classified as Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF). Initial symptoms of EVD include the sudden onset of high fever, accompanied by other nonspecific signs and symptoms such as headache, body aches, muscle pain and weakness, vomiting and diarrhea, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes).
NCDC stated that, in severe cases, uncontrolled bleeding from orifices, dysfunction and/or failure of several body organs such as the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system involvement may occur, progressing to shock and death. In fatal cases, death often occurs between eight and nine days of the onset of symptoms.
It observed that the infection is transmitted from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with body fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, urine, feces, sweat, breast milk, and semen) of an infected person, contaminated objects, or infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, porcupines, and forest antelope.
NCDC also noted that the virus can be transmitted through contact with wildlife and unsafe burial practices, stressing that the incubation period, from exposure to the development of signs and symptoms, ranges from 2 to 21 days.
It stressed that during an outbreak, those at risk of infection are health workers, family members, and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients, adding that there are vaccines and therapeutics available for some strains of the Ebola virus.
NCDC advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for EVD when encountering their patients.
The agency further advised that in the management of a suspected or confirmed case of EVD, they should ensure strict isolation of the patient and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like face masks, hand gloves, and appropriate gowns, and report suspected cases immediately to the NCDC or State Ministry of Health for appropriate response and management.
The statement read, “NCDC continues to monitor disease occurrence and has initiated measures to strengthen our preparedness in the country. On our part, we will continue to strengthen surveillance across the country, including our borders and airports, especially for travelers from affected areas; alerting our health workers to heighten their level of suspicion for suspected cases; enhancing our laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases; as well as coordinating with the WHO and the African Regional Health Authorities to monitor developments and share critical information.”
The Guardian
