The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced two suspected cases of Ebola disease in the North-East region.
The announcement was made today, 31 October.
Both individuals have been isolated. Contact tracing is under way, and laboratory tests are being carried out.
Nigeria recently confirmed an imported case in Abuja. Reports describe it as the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment. NCDC’s Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said that case involved a woman who travelled from Uganda.
He urged Nigerians to distinguish between suspected cases, confirmed infections and contacts, warning that confusing them could cause needless fear.
A contact is someone who may have been exposed, not someone who has Ebola.
NCDC advises Nigerians to:
– Wash their hands regularly
– Practise good sanitation
– Follow guidance from public health authorities
– Avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of suspected cases, report possible exposure promptly, and seek guidance if symptoms develop
NCDC says it will release more updates as verified information becomes available. The public can reach NCDC on the toll-free line 6232 or at info@ncdc.gov.ng.
Administrator and Writer
