NCDC Warns Of High Risk Of Importing Ebola From Uganda

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) warned that the country is at a high risk of importing the deadly Ebola virus from Uganda, which officially declared an outbreak on Sept. 20, 2022.

This was disclosed by the NCDC in a public health advisory issued on Monday. It also noted that Uganda's Ministry of Health had reported 128 confirmed cases and 34 deaths, as of October 2022.

"This risk is due to the large volume of air travel between Nigeria and Uganda and the mixing of passengers, especially at the regional travel hubs of Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Kigali airports and the additional risk from other neighboring countries that share a direct border with Uganda should cases arise in other countries in the region. The outputs from this risk assessment are being used to initiate preparedness activities in-country," said the NCDC.

The NCDC urged Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to Uganda until public health authorities determine that the outbreak of Ebola is contained.

However, travelers are advised to take precautions against meeting sick persons or suspected cases of Ebola when traveling to Uganda in case of an emergency.

These precautions include avoiding close contact with such individuals, good hand hygiene practices, and prompt seeking of medical care if they develop any Ebola-like symptoms.

"Persons already in Nigeria but with recent travel history to or transit through Uganda within the past 21 days who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising should promptly call 6232 or state ministry of health hotlines for assessment and testing," said the NCDC.

The NCDC also confirmed that surveillance of passengers has been heightened using the NITP platform, and passengers arriving from Uganda and persons who transited in Uganda are being followed up for 21 days after they arrived in Nigeria.

How contagious is the Ebola virus?

The Ebola virus is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death. Symptoms of Ebola include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding.

It can be spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat, or saliva. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or countertops.

Therefore, it is important for people who have been exposed to the virus to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention immediately if they develop any symptoms.

The first case of Ebola in Nigeria was a traveler who had been exposed to the virus in Liberia. On July 17, 2014, the patient developed a fever while under observation in a Monrovia, Liberia, hospital, and against medical advice, left the hospital.

The 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria was a tragic event that claimed many lives. However, the Nigerian government and people worked together to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further.