The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened surveillance and vigilance following Kenya’s confirmation of its first imported case of Ebola virus disease (EVD).
In a statement released on Tuesday, Jide Idris, NCDC director-general, said the case was linked to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Idris said the development increases the risk of international importation through travel and population movement, including into Nigeria.
According to the NCDC, the confirmed case was a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC.
“He travelled from the DRC by road to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi, where he was subsequently isolated and tested positive for Bundibugyo virus.
“The patient regrettably died, and Kenyan health authorities have commenced contact tracing and other response measures.”
No Ebola Case Confirmed in Nigeria
Idris said there was no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria as of October 6.
He said the NCDC had been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the DRC while working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, state governments and other partners to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness.
The measures include early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and protection of healthcare workers.
The director-general also said the NCDC had conducted a national Ebola preparedness tabletop simulation exercise to test response arrangements and identify gaps.
“As a result of this latest development, NCDC is reviewing the risk to Nigeria and existing preparedness measures to ensure that they remain appropriate to the evolving situation,” Idris said.
“These measures will be adapted and strengthened as necessary, working with relevant national and subnational authorities and partners.”
NCDC Advises Nigerians to Remain Vigilant
Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of people who are ill.
He also cautioned citizens against handling sick or dead wild animals and consuming improperly prepared bushmeat.
People who become ill after recent travel to an affected area or following contact with a suspected or confirmed case should seek care promptly at a recognised health facility, he said.
The NCDC director-general urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or exposure histories within the preceding 21 days.
“Also, we will continue to monitor developments in Kenya, the DRC and other affected countries and work with national, regional and international partners to assess the implications for Nigeria and strengthen preparedness as required,” Idris said.
“Finally, Nigeria’s experience with Ebola underscores the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing onward transmission.
“NCDC urges state governments, healthcare workers and the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing preparedness efforts, in order to ultimately make the country a safer space. Further updates will be provided as the regional situation evolves.”
WHO Monitoring Ebola Outbreaks
In May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
WHO said the outbreaks did not, at the time, meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency under the International Health Regulations.
