The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted the public over the growing risk of Ebola virus importation into Nigeria after new outbreaks were confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
According to reports, the agency explained that increased travel activities, trade, and movement across African borders could expose Nigeria to the deadly disease, even though no Ebola case has been detected in the country at the moment.
The recent outbreaks have raised global concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) closely monitoring the situation in the affected countries. Health officials revealed that the outbreaks involve the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant that currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Reports indicate that several suspected infections and deaths have already been recorded in parts of eastern DRC, while Uganda has also confirmed cases connected to the outbreak across the border.
In response to the threat, the NCDC said emergency preparedness measures have been activated nationwide. Surveillance has reportedly been strengthened at airports, land borders, and healthcare facilities to quickly identify and contain any possible case entering Nigeria.
Public health experts believe the risk remains significant due to the regular movement of travelers, traders, and migrants between African nations. The WHO also noted that some of the affected regions are facing humanitarian challenges, making disease control efforts more difficult.
Health authorities explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe situations, bleeding.
The NCDC has advised Nigerians not to panic but to stay alert, maintain proper hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention if any suspicious symptoms appear. Healthcare workers across the country have also been urged to remain vigilant and follow strict infection prevention procedures.
Nigeria previously recorded an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after an infected traveler arrived in Lagos from Liberia. The country was able to successfully stop the spread through rapid emergency response measures and intensive contact tracing.
With fresh outbreaks now affecting parts of Central and East Africa, health officials say early preparedness and public awareness will play an important role in keeping Nigeria safe from another Ebola outbreak.
