Health authorities in Nigeria have stepped up monitoring and emergency preparations across the country following fresh Ebola outbreaks reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
The new alert was announced on Saturday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention through a public health advisory signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the latest outbreaks, officials say the country remains at risk because many people travel in and out of African countries every day through airports, land borders and seaports.
According to the NCDC, areas like border communities, airports, seaports and major transport terminals are now under closer surveillance to quickly detect any suspected case before the disease spreads.
Fresh Ebola Fear Across Africa
The latest Ebola outbreak in parts of East and Central Africa has raised concern across the continent and brought back memories of previous deadly outbreaks that killed thousands of people.
Ebola is a very dangerous viral disease that spreads through direct contact with body fluids such as blood, sweat, saliva, vomit or other secretions from infected persons or animals.
The illness usually starts suddenly with symptoms like fever, headache, weakness, body pain, and sore throat. In severe cases, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, internal bleeding and organ failure.
Health experts say the best way to stop Ebola from spreading is through early detection, quick isolation of infected persons, proper hygiene, and immediate tracing of people who had contact with infected patients.
The NCDC said Nigeria has now increased screening at entry points across the country and improved coordination with state governments, laboratories, and emergency response teams.
Healthcare workers are also being sensitised, and surveillance systems strengthened to ensure any suspected case is quickly identified and reported.
Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola Experience Still Fresh
The renewed alert has reminded many Nigerians of the country’s Ebola outbreak in 2014 — one of the biggest public health scares in the nation’s history.
Nigeria recorded its first Ebola case in July 2014 when a Liberian-American diplomat, Patrick Sawyer, arrived in Lagos from Liberia while infected with the virus.
Sawyer later died, but not before the disease caused panic across the country.
At the time, many false rumours spread quickly. Some Nigerians started drinking and bathing with salt water after fake claims circulated that it could prevent Ebola infection. Health officials later warned that the practice was dangerous and caused several medical emergencies.
Despite the panic, Nigeria later received international praise for the way the outbreak was handled.
Health authorities quickly activated emergency response measures, traced hundreds of contacts and isolated suspected cases. Through coordinated efforts involving local health officials, international partners and frontline medical workers, Nigeria successfully contained the outbreak within months.
The country recorded 20 Ebola cases and eight deaths before the World Health Organization officially declared Nigeria Ebola-free in October 2014.
Many health experts still describe Nigeria’s response as one of Africa’s most successful disease containment efforts.
Authorities Tell Nigerians Not to Panic
With fresh Ebola outbreaks now reported again in parts of Africa, Nigerian health authorities are advising citizens to remain calm but stay alert.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with people showing signs of infectious illness, and report any unusual sickness to health officials immediately.
Hospitals and healthcare centres across the country have also been directed to strengthen infection prevention measures and remain watchful for suspected Ebola symptoms.
The agency also warned against spreading fake news or misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic among Nigerians.
Experts say Nigeria’s large population and busy international travel routes make constant preparedness very important because infectious diseases can spread across borders very quickly.
For now, health authorities say there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, but they insist that early preparation remains the best way to prevent another major public health emergency.