The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the confirmation of an outbreak in Uganda.
He advised the public to maintain strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers when necessary. He also cautioned against physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of an unidentified infection.
Nigerians were further advised to avoid consuming bush meat, particularly bats and non-human primates, which are known carriers of the virus, adding that the bushmeat should be properly cooked before eating.
Additionally, the NCDC warned against direct contact with bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases.
Anyone experiencing symptoms, especially travelers returning from affected countries, should report immediately by calling the NCDC toll-free number 6232 or contacting their State Ministry of Health.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, the NCDC advised Nigerians to “avoid all but essential travel” to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
Individuals returning from such countries were urged to monitor their health and report symptoms such as fever, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.
