THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has heightened surveillance at the country’s entry points following the confirmation of an Ebola outbreak case in Uganda.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health recently reported one death linked to the virus and has since identified forty-four contacts for monitoring.
In an advisory issued today, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris assured Nigerians that there are no reported cases of Ebola in the country.
However, he emphasized that the agency, in collaboration with relevant government bodies and partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group, have taken proactive steps to prevent an outbreak.
The NCDC stated that it has updated its Ebola emergency contingency plan, intensified surveillance at points of entry, and optimized diagnostic capabilities for virus detection.
Designated laboratories in cities with international airports and the National Reference Laboratory have been placed on alert, while Lassa fever testing laboratories are also on standby should additional testing capacity be required.
Idris noted that although vaccines exist for some strains of the Ebola virus, none are currently available in Nigeria.
The approved vaccine for the Zaire species of the virus is accessible through the World Health Organization (WHO) but does not protect against the Sudan strain responsible for the outbreak in Uganda.
He stressed that early detection, patient isolation, supportive treatment, strict infection control measures, contact tracing, and safe burial practices significantly reduce the spread and fatality of the virus.
While Nigeria remains Ebola-free, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any possible transmission into the country.
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