The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has told Nigerians to stay calm. The country has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) right now.
Jide Idris, the Director-General of NCDC, gave this assurance during a media briefing on Friday in Lagos.
The briefing shared updates on how Nigeria is preparing and responding to outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Mr Idris said that since the outbreaks were confirmed in the area, the NCDC has stepped up activities across the country. This is to make sure Nigeria can quickly detect, investigate, contain, and respond to any possible cases of the disease.
He explained that the agency has done a detailed risk assessment. This assessment shows that the risk of Ebola coming into Nigeria is high.
According to him, this assessment considers the rising transmission in the region, international travel, movement of people, weak borders, and the chance of missed recognition because Ebola symptoms can look like those of malaria and Lassa fever.
"As I speak, there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria," he said.
"While there are currently no licensed vaccines or approved treatments specifically for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus.
"Experience from past outbreaks has shown that finding cases early, quick isolation, preventing infection, tracing contacts, sharing information, and good emergency coordination are the best ways to stop transmission and save lives.
"So, we encourage Nigerians to stay calm and continue with their normal activities.
"People should get information only from trusted sources, avoid spreading rumors and misinformation, and report any unusual illness through public health channels," Mr Idris said.
Mr Idris highlighted some key achievements of NCDC in preparation. He said readiness assessments have been completed in 549 health facilities across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He also mentioned that assessments of 17 designated treatment centers were done to check their screening capacity, isolation readiness, infection prevention systems, protection for healthcare workers, and treatment readiness.
On training for staff and healthcare workers in managing Ebola, Mr Idris said there was no specific training plan. However, managing Ebola, like any other pandemic, needs strict use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures.
The NCDC DG pointed out that there is strong surveillance at all entry points (borders) of the country. The Centre is working with border authorities to ensure Ebola does not enter Nigeria.
He noted that preparedness is a shared responsibility. While NCDC leads national efforts, effective prevention and early response need collaboration among state governments, healthcare facilities, communities, partners, and the public.
"Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014 through strong leadership, quick detection, good coordination, public trust, and collective action.
"Today, we are building on those lessons and boosting our preparedness even more.
"If Ebola should come into the country, Nigeria will contain it," Mr Idris said.
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