The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has increased surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Kenya. The case involved a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an Ebola outbreak is ongoing. The patient travelled from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, and then to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive for the virus.
According to the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the agency is reviewing Nigeria's preparedness measures in response to the evolving regional situation. The Kenyan patient subsequently died, and Kenyan health authorities have commenced contact tracing and other response measures. The NCDC has been closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and assessing its potential implications for Nigeria.
The NCDC has focused on preparedness activities, including early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication, and protection of healthcare workers. A National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise was conducted to test Nigeria's response arrangements and identify gaps requiring attention.
Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, advising the public to practise regular hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is ill. He also advised Nigerians to avoid contact with the bodies of people who died from unknown illnesses and handling sick or dead wild animals.
The NCDC advised people who became ill, particularly following recent travel to an affected country or area or contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case, to seek prompt medical attention at a recognised health facility. Healthcare workers were directed to maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with compatible symptoms and a relevant travel or exposure history.
The NCDC stressed that early symptoms of Ebola could resemble other common febrile illnesses and warned healthcare workers not to wait for bleeding before considering Ebola in patients with compatible symptoms and relevant epidemiological history. The agency directed health workers to immediately isolate patients and notify public health authorities through established surveillance channels.
The NCDC will continue to monitor developments in Kenya, the DRC, and other affected countries while working with national, regional, and international partners to assess the implications for Nigeria. Dr. Idris noted that Nigeria's previous experience with Ebola demonstrated the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing onward transmission.
Key points
- The NCDC has heightened surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Kenya.
- The agency is reviewing Nigeria's preparedness measures to ensure they remain appropriate to the evolving situation.
- Nigerians are advised to practise regular hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is ill.
