The Federal Government on Tuesday confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory and commenced contact tracing.
To prevent further transmission, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said 44 close contacts have been identified.
The disease, which can cause severe illness and death, is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the infection.
The symptoms may include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
People infected with the virus do not transmit it before symptoms develop, while the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, the World Health Organisation says
PUNCH Healthwise reports that there was an outbreak of Ebola in Nigeria in 2014, which was contained.
In June 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention activated an Ebola emergency watch in Lagos, FCT, and eight other states.
But with the re-emergence of Ebola and heightened concerns about the risk of the deadly viral disease, here is what Nigerians need to know:
- Ebola disease is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.
- Three different viruses are known to cause large Ebola disease outbreaks: Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus.
- Ebola can also spread through contaminated surfaces, clothing, bedding, and medical equipment.
- Early intensive supportive care with rehydration and the treatment of symptoms improves survival.
Nigerians should:
- Maintaining good hygiene and a clean environment.
- Ensure regular handwashing with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with infected fruit bats or monkeys/apes and the consumption of their raw meat.
- Avoid bush meat from unknown sources during outbreaks.
- Avoid direct or close contact with infected people, particularly with their body fluids.
- Isolate suspected patients in a designated treatment centre for early care and to prevent transmission at home.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: health_wise@punchng.
