The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated emergency measures to guard against a possible outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the country.
In a public health advisory on Saturday, the agency said it was working with ministries, departments, agencies and international partners to heighten surveillance and boost national preparedness following reports of a fresh outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the statement signed by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, there are no recorded cases of Ebola in Nigeria.
However, screening has been intensified at borders and points of entry to ensure early detection, while infection prevention and control protocols are being reinforced in hospitals nationwide.
The centre also announced that its risk communication teams have been mobilised to provide timely information to Nigerians and counter rumours or misinformation.
“Efforts include strengthened surveillance, stricter infection control in health facilities and community sensitisation to ensure preparedness across the country,” the statement said.
The agency explained that although vaccines and treatments exist for some Ebola strains, early detection, patient isolation, supportive care and strict infection control remain the most effective tools in reducing fatalities.
Nigerians were advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid close contact with sick individuals of unknown diagnosis, and steer clear of fruit bats, monkeys and apes, which are known carriers of the virus.
The agency also warned against consuming raw or undercooked meat and urged the use of protective clothing when handling animals.
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The NCDC emphasised that direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit or other bodily fluids of suspected Ebola patients must be strictly avoided to curb potential transmission.
