Idowu Abdullahi
Biochemistry practitioners have called on the Federal Government to strengthen laboratory surveillance, improve early detection and intensify public health education to contain the spread of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria.
The President of the Biochemistry Practitioners Plant Treatment of Oasis Association of Nigeria, Ikotun Olayemi, made the call following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday, the BPAON president also urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and committed to preventive health measures.
Olayemi stressed the importance of scientific research, accurate diagnosis and public awareness in controlling infectious diseases.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that the FG confirmed the Ebola case on October 20, 2026, with 44 contacts identified for monitoring to prevent further transmission.
Speaking on measures, BPAON stressed the need for continued investment in reliable laboratory testing to ensure the early detection of suspected cases and support efforts to control the disease.
He said, “We know that the control of Ebola requires a coordinated public health response involving government agencies, laboratory scientists, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public.
“Therefore, we call for strengthened laboratory surveillance and continued investment in reliable laboratory testing and early detection of suspected cases.”
The World Health Organisation says laboratory information is critical for disease surveillance and control programmes.
According to WHO, before an outbreak, laboratory-supported surveillance allows early detection of cases.
“During an outbreak, a sample of cases should be laboratory confirmed to assess changes in the etiological agent and to guide decisions about the allocation of resources,” the WHO said.
Speaking further, Olayemi called for wider dissemination of accurate information about Ebola transmission, symptoms and prevention.
He urged relevant authorities and health practitioners to ensure that members of the public received credible guidance.
Explaining the risks associated with the disease, Olayemi said Ebola was a severe infectious illness that could spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person who was sick or had died, as well as contaminated materials.
He listed possible symptoms as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, while cautioning that the symptoms could also occur in other illnesses and did not independently confirm Ebola infection.
Olayemi advised Nigerians to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected cases and seek prompt medical attention if they developed symptoms following possible exposure.
He further urged healthcare facilities and practitioners to strictly observe infection prevention and control procedures to protect health workers and reduce the risk of transmission during patient care.
The BPAON president also urged media organisations, health practitioners and community leaders to avoid spreading unverified reports that could trigger unnecessary public panic.
He cautioned against promoting unproven remedies as established cures or preventive treatments for Ebola, urging Nigerians to obtain health information from credible sources.
Olayemi also urged health practitioners to maintain professional ethics, report suspected cases through appropriate channels and cooperate with authorised public health agencies as part of a coordinated response to the disease.
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