Nigeria Steps Up Disease Surveillance Amid Ebola Outbreak in Uganda
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has ramped up disease surveillance efforts following the recent outbreak of the Sudan virus disease (SVD), a strain of the deadly Ebola virus, in Uganda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the outbreak on January 30, raising concerns over the spread of the highly infectious haemorrhagic fever, which is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids and tissues. The outbreak has already claimed a life in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, where a nurse died after developing fever-like symptoms.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any Ebola cases, the NCDC is taking proactive steps to prevent a possible outbreak. In a statement on Sunday, the agency reassured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation through the national emerging viral haemorrhagic diseases (EVHD) technical working group, in collaboration with other government agencies and global health partners.
To strengthen preparedness, the NCDC has updated its Ebola emergency contingency plan, intensified surveillance at points of entry, and optimized diagnostic capacity for testing in key laboratories across cities with international airports. The agency also noted that all Lassa fever testing laboratories could be activated to scale up testing if necessary.
According to the NCDC, a dynamic risk assessment conducted in response to a recent Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has classified Nigeria’s Ebola risk level as moderate. This means that while an outbreak is not imminent, the country must remain vigilant to prevent any potential spread.
“A moderate risk classification indicates that EVD, without mitigation, is likely to occur in Nigeria, with potential for significant public health consequences. So, we need to take the necessary precautions,” the agency stated.
While vaccines exist for some strains of the Ebola virus, the approved Zaire species vaccine is not currently available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan virus. However, the NCDC emphasized that early detection, patient isolation, supportive treatment, and strict infection control measures in healthcare settings can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and death.
To minimize risks, the NCDC is urging Nigerians to practice preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding the consumption of bush meat, which has been linked to the transmission of viral haemorrhagic fevers. The agency also advised against non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
