The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has told Nigerians that there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in the country.
This announcement was made after news came out about a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Dr. Jide Idris, the head of NCDC, said in a statement on Saturday in Abuja that Nigeria is being very careful and has increased health checks at airports, hospitals, and in communities.
He reminded people that Nigeria had only one Ebola outbreak in 2014. It was brought by a traveler from Liberia. That outbreak caused 20 cases and 8 deaths before it was stopped.
On September 4, the DRC’s Ministry of Health reported 28 suspected Ebola cases and 15 deaths in Kasai Province, including four health workers. The Ebola Zaire strain was confirmed as the cause.
The outbreak has spread to Bulape and Mweka health zones, with a death rate of 57%. This shows how deadly the disease is and the danger of it spreading further.
Dr. Idris said there is still no Ebola in Nigeria, but the country is taking steps to prepare. This includes improving infection control, checking travelers at borders, and informing communities about risks.
He added that the DRC has set up its emergency response team and is getting help from the World Health Organization (WHO) to control the outbreak.
The Ebola Zaire strain, which caused this outbreak, has a vaccine called Ervebo. This vaccine has been proven to help stop the spread and protect people in affected areas.
To stay safe, Dr. Idris advised people to wash their hands often with soap and water. This helps prevent the spread of germs from infected people or surfaces.
He also warned people not to touch anyone who has symptoms like fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding. These are signs of Ebola, and the person should get medical help quickly.
Dr. Idris said people should avoid eating raw or undercooked bushmeat and stay away from animals like fruit bats, monkeys, and apes. These animals can carry the Ebola virus.
He urged Nigerians to report any suspected Ebola cases or strange illnesses, especially in people who recently traveled to affected areas. People can call the NCDC on the toll-free number 6232.
Dr. Idris also advised Nigerians not to travel to countries with Ebola outbreaks unless it is absolutely necessary. This will help reduce the risk of the disease coming into Nigeria.
Finally, he promised that NCDC will keep the public updated and continue working with international health groups to watch the situation in the DRC and other parts of Africa closely.
Healthcare workers were told to be extra careful, follow safety rules, and report any possible Ebola cases quickly so that they can be treated and stopped from spreading.
