The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has initiated measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness against Ebola, following the confirmation of an outbreak in Uganda. The NCDC advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to countries affected by the disease.
Key Precautions:
- Avoid Non-Essential Travel: The NCDC advised Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed cases of the Ebola Virus Disease.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water or use hand sanitizers when soap and water are not readily available.
- Avoid Physical Contact: Avoid physical contact with anyone who has symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis.
- Avoid Bush Meat: Avoid the consumption of bush meat, particularly bats and non-human primates, which are known reservoirs of the Ebola virus.
Symptoms of Ebola:
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eye)
What to Do If You Suspect Ebola:
- Call 6232 or your State Ministry of Health hotline for guidance
- Shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems (public or private) until health authorities reach out
- Await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment center if required
Source: Vanguard
