The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has ramped up disease surveillance following the recent outbreak of Ebola in Uganda. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD), a strain of Ebola, in Uganda.
SVD, like the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), is a contagious hemorrhagic fever spread through contact with bodily fluids and tissues. The outbreak has already claimed the life of a nurse who developed fever-like symptoms and died while seeking treatment in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
In a statement, the NCDC confirmed that there are no cases of EVD in Nigeria at the moment. However, the agency, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners, through the National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, is actively monitoring the situation and taking preventive measures to enhance preparedness.
These measures include updating the EVD emergency contingency plan, increasing surveillance at points of entry, and improving diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories in cities with international airports, as well as the National Reference Laboratory. Additionally, Lassa Fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up testing if needed.
The NCDC stated that based on a dynamic risk assessment following the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, the risk of Ebola in Nigeria is classified as moderate. “A moderate risk classification suggests that, without mitigation, EVD could occur in Nigeria, with significant public health consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions,” the statement said.
While vaccines and therapeutics are available for some strains of the Ebola virus, the NCDC noted that the approved vaccine for the Zaire species (EBV) is not currently available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan virus.
The agency emphasized that early recognition of symptoms, isolation of patients, initiation of supportive treatment, infection control measures in health facilities and homes, contact tracing, and safe burial practices can significantly reduce morbidity and the likelihood of death.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and avoiding the consumption of bushmeat. The agency also advised against non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
