The Federal Government has directed Nigerians who may have been exposed to Ebola to report immediately to public health authorities, warning that even those without symptoms must disclose possible exposure as investigations continue.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also urged anyone who develops fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea to avoid close contact with others and seek public health guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
In a public health advisory, Pate called on Nigerians to maintain strict hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected Ebola cases and cooperate with contact-tracing teams.
The advisory said people contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the required information and comply with public health instructions.
It also warned against spreading rumours or stigmatising people who may have been exposed, urging Nigerians to share only verified information from official health authorities.
Government assures Nigerians
Pate said Nigeria had successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and had the experience and public health systems needed to respond to the current case.
However, he stressed that preventing further transmission required collective responsibility, early detection and prompt reporting.
The Federal Government, Federal Capital Territory authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public, the minister said.
He added that investigations were ongoing and that the government would continue to provide accurate and timely updates through the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola Virus Disease and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC’s toll-free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nigerians seeking information or wishing to report a suspected case can call 6232.
