The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has issued a comprehensive public health advisory on Ebola Virus Disease.
The body is urging Nigerians to remain alert following fresh outbreaks reported in parts of Africa.
The centre outlined symptoms, treatment options, prevention measures, and specific guidance for health workers and travelers.
Ebola is a severe illness caused by the Ebola virus with a fatality rate ranging between 25 and 90 percent. Early signs of the disease include sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.
As the illness progresses, patients may develop vomiting, diarrhea, and yellowing of the eyes. Severe cases are marked by uncontrolled bleeding from body orifices, organ failure, nervous system complications, and progression to shock and death. In fatal cases, death usually occurs between 6 and 16 days after the first symptoms appear.
On treatment, the NCDC noted that while vaccines and therapeutics are not available for some strains of the Ebola virus, early supportive care — including rehydration and proper management of symptoms — significantly improves chances of survival.
The virus spreads from animals to humans and subsequently through human-to-human transmission.
High-risk practices include direct contact with infected individuals or their body fluids as well as traditional burial practices involving close contact with corpses.
To limit the risk of spread, the NCDC advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries, stay away from suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, and refrain from handling the remains of victims.
Citizens are also urged not to touch items contaminated with infected fluids, to wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers, and to avoid bush meat unless thoroughly cooked.
Healthcare workers across Nigeria have been instructed to maintain a high index of suspicion when examining patients with symptoms suggestive of Ebola.
The advisory stressed the need for strict isolation of suspected cases and unwavering compliance with infection prevention and control protocols.
Doctors, nurses, and other health staff are expected to use protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and aprons when managing cases, and to promptly report suspected infections to the NCDC or the State Ministry of Health.
On travel guidance, the NCDC strongly discouraged unnecessary trips to Uganda, where Ebola cases have recently been confirmed.
Travelers who must visit the country have been urged to exercise caution, avoid contact with sick individuals or animals, and remain aware of the symptoms of the disease.
Nigerians returning from Uganda are directed to monitor their health for 21 days and immediately notify health authorities if any symptoms develop.
The NCDC emphasized that protecting public health depends on vigilance at all levels — from border surveillance and hospital protocols to community awareness and responsible travel practices.
The agency also highlighted its risk communication efforts aimed at curbing misinformation and ensuring Nigerians receive timely, accurate updates.
For assistance or to report suspected cases, the public can contact the NCDC via its toll-free number 6232, email info@ncdc.gov.ng, or through its verified social media handles on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
