NCDC Strengthens Ebola Preparedness Amid Outbreak in Uganda
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured the public that there is no Ebola outbreak in Nigeria following the confirmation of the disease in Uganda last week, which resulted in one death and prompted monitoring of forty-four contacts.
In a Sunday advisory, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris stated that while there are no reported cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Nigeria, the agency is actively working to prevent its spread. “We are closely monitoring disease occurrences and have initiated measures to bolster our preparedness,” he said, outlining efforts to enhance surveillance, particularly at points of entry, and improve diagnostic capacities in laboratories located in cities with international airports and the National Reference Laboratory.
The NCDC also updated its emergency contingency plan for EVD and has set up heightened vigilance, ready to activate all Lassa Fever testing laboratories should the need for Ebola testing arise.
While there are approved vaccines for some strains of the Ebola virus, the NCDC confirmed that the vaccine for the Zaire species (EBV), which is effective for some forms of the virus, is not currently available in the country. It can, however, be sourced from the World Health Organization’s Africa Regional Office.
Idris emphasized that while there are no vaccines available for the Sudan virus strain in Nigeria, early recognition and isolation of suspected cases, alongside supportive treatment, infection control measures, effective contact tracing, and safe burial practices, are critical in minimizing morbidity and mortality.
The NCDC continues to monitor the situation and reassured Nigerians that comprehensive measures are in place to prevent an outbreak of Ebola in the country.
