Following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja, Nigeria’s leading medical experts are urging citizens to take precautionary measures, including avoiding handshakes, hugs and other unnecessary physical contact, as health authorities work to prevent a potential outbreak.
The warning was issued by the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria in response to an announcement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Although the development has raised public health concerns, the academy has called on Nigerians to remain calm, stay informed and follow official medical advice.
According to the academy, the reported case involves a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda. The situation has prompted renewed calls for stronger disease surveillance, improved infection prevention measures and public cooperation to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Health officials are also emphasising the importance of recognising Ebola symptoms early, reporting suspected infections promptly and avoiding misinformation that could create unnecessary panic.
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Academy of Medical Sciences Urges Nigerians to Exercise Caution
The academy’s president, Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie, delivered the warning in a public health statement released on Tuesday.
He stressed that Nigerians should take the reported case seriously without giving in to fear or spreading unverified claims. According to him, simple preventive measures and strict compliance with public health guidance remain essential to limiting the spread of infectious diseases.
The advisory also identified Professor Oladapo Ashiru, the academy’s foundation president, and Professor Boaz Adegboro, a representative of its Rapid Response Committee, in connection with the statement.
Giwa-Osagie commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, alongside relevant health agencies, for initiating measures to manage the situation.
These interventions include isolating the patient, tracing individuals who may have had contact with the case and increasing disease surveillance to identify possible additional infections.
The academy maintained that a coordinated response, supported by public cooperation, would be critical to containing the threat and preventing further transmission.
Why Nigerians Are Being Advised to Avoid Physical Contact
One of the central recommendations in the advisory is to minimise unnecessary physical contact, particularly handshakes and hugs, while the response to the reported case continues.
Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms. Transmission may also occur when someone touches objects or materials contaminated with these fluids.
For this reason, avoiding contact with potentially infectious body fluids is an important part of preventing infection.
The academy also called on Nigerians to maintain good personal hygiene, wash their hands frequently and avoid direct contact with anyone suspected of having Ebola until appropriate medical guidance is available.
However, the public should understand that Ebola does not spread through the air in the manner associated with airborne infections. The principal transmission risk described in the advisory involves direct contact with infectious body fluids or contaminated materials.
Giwa-Osagie further explained that people infected with Ebola do not transmit the virus before symptoms develop. Recognising symptoms and reporting possible exposure promptly are therefore important elements of disease control.
Nigeria Urged to Activate Nationwide Ebola Alert Measures
Beyond individual precautions, the Academy of Medical Sciences has called for the immediate activation of high-alert public health protocols across the country.
Giwa-Osagie pointed to Nigeria’s experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak and managing the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of the importance of early intervention, effective coordination and decisive public health action.
He urged relevant authorities to strengthen surveillance systems and ensure that suspected infections are identified, isolated and reported without delay.
The academy also recommended enhanced screening at airports, seaports and land borders, with particular attention to travellers arriving from countries affected by Ebola.
Such measures are intended to improve the early detection of possible cases and help authorities respond quickly when an infection is suspected.
The response, however, requires more than border checks. Effective surveillance, clear communication between health agencies and rapid investigation of potential cases are also essential to reducing the risk of wider transmission.
The academy’s position is that Nigeria should use the available public health infrastructure and lessons from previous outbreaks to respond promptly and prevent avoidable infections.
Hospitals Asked to Strengthen Infection Prevention Measures
The warning also highlights the need for hospitals and other healthcare facilities to strengthen infection prevention and control procedures.
According to Giwa-Osagie, both public and private health facilities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place, particularly for workers who may come into contact with suspected cases.
He called for adequate personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals and stronger infection control practices throughout the healthcare system.
These precautions are important because medical personnel may face increased exposure risks when assessing or treating patients suspected of having Ebola.
The academy emphasised that suspected cases must be recognised, isolated and reported promptly. Early action can help limit exposure among healthcare workers, patients, family members and other people who may otherwise come into contact with an infected individual.
Members of the public who believe they may have been exposed to the virus should also seek instructions from public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
This approach allows officials to advise on appropriate next steps and reduce the possibility of exposing others during an uncoordinated visit.
Ebola Symptoms Nigerians Should Watch For
The academy has urged Nigerians to remain alert to symptoms associated with Ebola, especially when there is a possibility of exposure.
Symptoms identified in the advisory include:
- Fever
- Severe weakness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
These symptoms can occur with other illnesses, so their presence alone does not establish that someone has Ebola. Nevertheless, anyone who develops concerning symptoms after a possible exposure should contact public health authorities for guidance.
Giwa-Osagie advised people who suspect exposure or develop symptoms to notify the relevant authorities before travelling to a healthcare facility.
Prompt reporting allows health professionals to assess the situation and determine whether further investigation, isolation or testing is necessary.
The public should avoid attempting to diagnose suspected Ebola infections independently or relying on unverified advice circulating on social media.
Simple Preventive Steps Everyone Should Follow
While health authorities manage the reported case, the academy has encouraged Nigerians to adopt practical measures that can reduce the risk of infection.
Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and running water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when appropriate. Consistent hand hygiene is an important part of infection prevention.
Avoid contact with body fluids. Do not touch the blood or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola. Avoid handling contaminated materials without appropriate protection.
Do not handle suspected Ebola victims’ bodies. The bodies of people who have died from Ebola can remain infectious. Members of the public should not attempt to handle or prepare the body of a suspected victim and should follow instructions from trained public health personnel.
Seek official guidance after possible exposure. Anyone concerned about contact with a suspected case should contact public health authorities rather than visiting a health facility without first informing them.
Follow instructions from health officials. People contacted by disease surveillance or contact-tracing teams should cooperate with the process and provide accurate information.
Avoid spreading rumours. Sharing unverified reports can create panic, undermine public trust and make outbreak management more difficult.
The academy also cautioned against stigmatising people who may be affected by the disease. Public cooperation, accurate information and respectful treatment of individuals are important during any public health emergency.
Contact Tracing and Public Cooperation Remain Essential
Contact tracing is a key component of the response because it helps health authorities identify people who may have been exposed to an infected individual and determine what follow-up measures are needed.
People identified through this process may be given instructions on monitoring their health and reporting symptoms. Cooperation with public health teams can help officials detect potential infections early and reduce opportunities for further transmission.
The academy has therefore urged Nigerians to respond responsibly to requests from authorised health personnel and avoid actions that could obstruct disease surveillance.
It also stressed that public health communication should be guided by verified information rather than speculation. Accurate reporting helps people make informed decisions while allowing health authorities to concentrate on controlling the situation.
NCDC Provides Toll-Free Number for Information and Reports
For members of the public seeking guidance or wishing to report suspected Ebola cases, the Academy of Medical Sciences has directed Nigerians to contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The toll-free number provided in the advisory is 6232.
Citizens are encouraged to use the official channel to obtain information, raise concerns about suspected cases and seek guidance on appropriate preventive action.
As Nigeria responds to the reported Ebola case in Abuja, the academy’s message is clear: vigilance, early reporting, effective infection control and public cooperation are essential.
Avoiding unnecessary physical contact, maintaining good hand hygiene and following official health advice can help support efforts to contain the situation. Just as importantly, Nigerians should remain calm, avoid misinformation and treat potentially affected individuals with dignity while health authorities carry out their work.
Source: NAN
