NCDC intensifies surveillance amidst Uganda Ebola outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance at Nigeria points of entry, including airports, following confirmation of an Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The agency has also advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries.

In a public health advisory, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris confirmed that there are no reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria. However, he stated that the agency, in collaboration with relevant ministries and partners, has updated its emergency contingency plan, strengthened surveillance at entry points, and optimized diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories. He added that all Lassa fever testing laboratories could be activated if needed.

Uganda’s Ebola Outbreak

On January 30, 2025, Uganda confirmed an Ebola case caused by the Sudan virus species in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District. So far, one case has been recorded, resulting in one fatality, with authorities monitoring 44 identified contacts.

The NCDC noted that Uganda has experience in managing Ebola outbreaks and has implemented necessary containment measures.

Nigeria previously experienced an Ebola outbreak in 2014 when an infected Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, brought the virus into the country. Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, the Lead Consultant Physician at First Consultants Medical Centre, played a critical role in containing the outbreak but lost her life in the process.

Understanding Ebola Virus Disease

EVD, formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness with a mortality rate of 25% to 90%. The virus has five species: Bundibugyo, Zaire, Reston, Tai Forest, and Sudan. The Zaire strain, responsible for the 2014–2016 West African outbreak, is the deadliest, while the Sudan strain is behind the current outbreak in Uganda.

The virus is transmitted from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, and monkeys. Unsafe burial practices and contact with wildlife also contribute to its spread.

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may involve uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and death, usually occurring between 8 and 9 days after symptom onset.

Nigeria’s Risk Assessment and Response

The NCDC has classified Nigeria’s risk level as moderate, citing recent risk assessments and the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. While there is no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, early detection, isolation, supportive treatment, and infection control measures can reduce transmission and fatalities.

The agency has urged Nigerians to:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers.
• Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms of an unidentified infection.
• Refrain from consuming bush meat, particularly bats and non-human primates, or ensure thorough cooking before consumption.
• Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.
• Health Workers Advised to Remain Vigilant
• Report symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding, particularly after recent travel to affected countries, by calling 6232 or contacting the State Ministry of Health.

Health Workers advised to remain vigilant

The NCDC urged healthcare workers to:

• Ensure strict isolation of suspected or confirmed cases.
• Adhere to infection prevention protocols.
• Use personal protective equipment, including face masks, gloves, and gowns.

Continued Surveillance and International Coordination

The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening nationwide surveillance, particularly at borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for rapid testing.

It continues to collaborate with the World Health Organization and African health authorities to monitor developments. While the WHO has not recommended travel restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC reiterated its advice for Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.

Travelers returning from such countries with EVD symptoms should self-isolate and contact health authorities for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment center.

For further updates, citizens are encouraged to follow official NCDC channels.

By Jennifer Ogor