Health
Second Coming: Nigeria builds brick walls against Ebola
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), also known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF), is not new to Nigeria or Africa as a whole.
The first cases of Ebola outbreak were recorded in 1976 in the United Kingdom, but the largest outbreak occurred in southeastern Guinea during the epidemic wave in 2014, with Nigeria confirming its first case in July of that year. Unfortunately, it seems the virus has made a comeback, as the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed an outbreak on January 30, 2025. Health authorities in Kampala reported that one patient—a nurse who sought treatment at multiple medical facilities after developing fever-like symptoms—had died.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ebola Virus is a severe illness affecting humans and other primates, caused by an RNA virus belonging to the family Filoviridae and the genus Ebola virus.
WHO describes Ebola as a rare but severe illness in humans, often fatal, and transmissible through contact with infected animals, especially when preparing, cooking, or consuming them. It can also be transmitted through the bodily fluids of an infected person, including saliva, urine, feces, or semen, as well as through items contaminated with these fluids, such as clothing or bedding.
Reports from the NCDC indicate a high fatality rate for the disease, killing between 25% to 90% of those infected. Research suggests that fruit bats may be the likely reservoir for the virus, as these animals can spread the infection without being harmed themselves.
Fortunately, unlike other endemic and epidemic viruses, Ebola has a treatment available that involves administering oral or intravenous fluids, as well as medicines provided in a hospital setting. There are vaccines for the Zaire strain of the virus, specifically the Ervebo vaccine. However, there are currently no available vaccines for the Sudan ebolavirus strain, which is responsible for the outbreak in Uganda. The WHO has indicated that there are three candidate vaccines being considered for trials against the Sudan ebolavirus, developed by Sabin Institute, University of Oxford & SII, and the Merck vaccine donated to IAVI, all of which are at different stages of development.
In Uganda, the situation is rapidly evolving, with a reported increase in cases to three, including two new infections among family members of the initial case.
How Prepared is Nigeria for the Current Outbreak?
In 2014, Nigeria effectively managed the Ebola outbreak, successfully being declared Ebola-free by the WHO in October of that year, less than four months after the first case was detected in the country. Nigeria’s swift response—characterized by effective contact tracing and isolation, public education and awareness, rapid laboratory diagnosis, the establishment of emergency operation centers, and support from the government, NGOs, and the private sector—played a crucial role in containing the outbreak.
Currently, the new outbreak has not reached Nigeria, but in response to the outbreak in Uganda, the NCDC has announced that the country is on high alert, according to Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC.
Dr. Idris stated that the agency is collaborating with key stakeholders to activate heightened surveillance measures to prevent the virus from entering Nigeria. As part of its proactive approach, the NCDC has updated its Ebola emergency response plan to ensure readiness for any potential cases. Furthermore, the center has increased screening at airports and borders to swiftly identify and isolate anyone who might be infected. The NCDC has also enhanced its laboratory testing capacity for Ebola, which allows for rapid diagnosis and confirmation of cases. These proactive actions aim to reduce the risk of an Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.
Dr. Idris advised Nigerians to adhere to several preventive measures: practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers; avoid contact with individuals displaying symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding; refrain from consuming bushmeat, especially bats and primates; and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after traveling to an affected country. He encouraged returning travelers from affected regions who develop symptoms like fever, sore throat, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding within the last 21 days to act quickly and reach out to the NCDC toll-free number (6232) or contact their State Ministry of Health Hotline for guidance and support.
Additionally, he urged health workers to maintain a high level of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and promptly report any suspected cases.
Fortunately, the virus outbreak is currently under control, and Nigeria is working diligently to maintain its vigilance.