The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that Nigeria is not yet free of Ebola, despite recording no new cases following the confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo Virus Disease infection.
The agency has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant as the country awaits clearance from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, gave the warning on Tuesday while providing an update on the country’s response to the imported case involving a traveller from Uganda.
According to Idris, 28 contacts linked to the confirmed case are still being monitored, although 34 of the 62 identified contacts had completed their individual 21-day monitoring period as of November 9.
He explained that the monitoring period differs for each contact and that completing the 21-day follow-up does not automatically mean Nigeria is Ebola-free.
The NCDC chief stressed that the country cannot independently declare itself free of the disease, as the WHO must be involved in the process.
“Because they have left the quarantine does not mean we are Ebola-free. We can only be declared Ebola-free after another 21 days again. And it is not by ourselves to declare ourselves Ebola-free. WHO must be involved,” he said.
Idris added that although no new infections had been recorded, surveillance and contact tracing remained ongoing across the country.
He said the agency was working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, state authorities and development partners to strengthen monitoring, investigations and laboratory testing.
The surveillance activities also cover airports and land borders to identify possible cases and prevent further transmission.
Idris disclosed that previous alerts from Adamawa, Rivers and Borno states had all tested negative.
He also clarified that being identified as a contact does not mean an individual has contracted Ebola, explaining that monitoring helps health authorities identify symptoms early and respond appropriately.
NCDC Issues Warning To Healthcare Workers
The agency has urged healthcare workers in public and private medical facilities to remain alert and establish patients’ travel and exposure histories.
It also advised medical personnel to observe infection prevention and control measures and promptly report suspected cases to public health authorities.
Nigerians who develop symptoms following possible exposure to Ebola have been advised to avoid contact with others and call the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a health facility.
NCDC Raises Alarm Over Other Infectious Diseases
Beyond the Ebola response, the NCDC expressed concern over other infectious diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, diphtheria, cerebrospinal meningitis and Lassa fever.
The agency confirmed dengue fever cases in Sokoto and Zamfara states, while chikungunya cases were also reported in Sokoto State.
To support affected communities, the NCDC said it had deployed national rapid response teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu.
The teams are assisting with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community engagement and mosquito control.
Idris also cautioned Nigerians against assuming that every fever is malaria, noting that dengue and chikungunya can produce similar symptoms, including headaches, body pains and joint pains.
He identified severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and difficulty breathing as possible warning signs of serious dengue complications requiring urgent medical attention.
The NCDC further urged states within Nigeria’s meningitis belt to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnostic services, clinical preparedness and vaccination efforts as the dry season approaches.
On diphtheria, the agency warned that the disease remained a serious concern, particularly among children who had missed routine immunisation.
It encouraged parents and caregivers to check their children’s vaccination records and seek medical guidance on missed doses.
