Fruit bats, monkeys and chimpanzees are among the animals capable of transmitting the virus to humans through contact with
By Moses Okorie
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and strictly observe public health guidelines as African health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.
Speaking during a public sensitisation programme in Enugu on Thursday, the Deputy Director and Health and Social Care Desk Officer of the agency in Enugu State, Mrs Ijeoma Ulasi, warned that Nigeria remained vulnerable to the disease because of its extensive international travel, porous borders and busy airports.
Although the country is on high alert, she noted that no confirmed case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has been recorded in Nigeria.
Ulasi explained that the disease is a highly infectious viral illness caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and poses a serious public health threat.
She said the virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or contaminated materials of infected persons, as well as infected wild animals.
According to her, fruit bats, monkeys and chimpanzees are among the animals capable of transmitting the virus to humans through contact with infected tissues or bodily fluids.
She disclosed that the World Health Organization declared the ongoing outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in May following a rise in infections and deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Ulasi said the disease has an incubation period of between two and 21 days and may present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and vomiting.
She added that diarrhoea, abdominal pain, skin rash, unexplained bleeding and shock are also common symptoms, stressing that anyone experiencing such signs, particularly after travelling to affected countries or having contact with suspected cases, should seek immediate medical attention.
The deputy director noted that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, making prevention the most effective means of controlling its spread.
She revealed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had activated its National Emergency Operations Centre, strengthened disease surveillance across the country and enhanced emergency response measures to improve national preparedness.
Ulasi identified Enugu State as one of the locations considered to be at higher risk because of its strategic commercial and travel connections, especially through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
She emphasised that sustained public vigilance, prompt reporting of suspected cases and collective action were essential to preventing the introduction and spread of the disease in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The agency also advised Nigerians to maintain proper personal hygiene, avoid contact with sick or dead animals and comply with all public health advisories issued by relevant authorities.