The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures following Kenya’s confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease linked to an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The agency’s Director-General, Jide Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, warning that international travel and population movement could increase the risk of the virus being imported into Nigeria.
“According to the Kenyan ministry of health, the confirmed case was a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Idris said Nigeria had no confirmed Ebola case as of October 6, adding that the NCDC had been monitoring the outbreak in the DRC and collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, port health services, state governments and other partners to strengthen the country’s readiness.
According to him, the preparedness measures include early detection, isolation and referral of suspected cases, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, public awareness campaigns and the protection of healthcare workers.
He also disclosed that the NCDC had conducted a national tabletop simulation exercise to assess Nigeria’s Ebola response arrangements and identify areas requiring improvement.
Following the development in Kenya, the agency is reviewing the potential risk to Nigeria and its existing preparedness measures.
“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.”
The NCDC chief urged Nigerians to remain calm while observing necessary precautions, including regular handwashing and avoiding direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of sick people.
He also warned against handling sick or dead wild animals and eating bushmeat that had not been properly prepared.
Idris advised anyone who develops symptoms after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected or confirmed case to seek prompt medical attention at a recognised health facility.
He urged healthcare workers to maintain a high level of suspicion when assessing patients with symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly those with 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.
He stressed that Nigeria’s previous experience with Ebola demonstrated the importance of early detection and a swift response in preventing further transmission.
“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.”
In May, the World Health Organisation declared Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
The global health body said at the time that the outbreaks did not meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency under the International Health Regulations.
