NOA Urges Nigerians to Stay Alert Over Bundibugyo Ebola Threat

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and strictly observe public health guidelines as African health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BEVD).

The appeal was made by the agency's Deputy Director and Health and Social Care Desk Officer in Enugu State, Ijeoma Ulasi, during a public awareness campaign aimed at educating residents on the disease and preventive measures.

Ulasi noted that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease, the country's busy airports, extensive international travel and porous borders increase the risk of importing the virus from countries currently battling the outbreak.

She explained that BEVD is a serious viral infection caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and warned that it poses a significant threat to public health if not properly contained.

According to her, the virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or other contaminated materials of infected individuals. It can also spread from infected wild animals, including fruit bats, monkeys and chimpanzees, through contact with their tissues or bodily fluids.

Ulasi noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the current outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in May following an increase in infections and fatalities reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

She said the disease has an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days and may initially present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, sore throat and vomiting. Other warning signs include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, skin rash, unexplained bleeding and, in severe cases, shock.

The NOA official stressed that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, making early detection and preventive measures the most effective means of controlling its spread.

She advised anyone who develops symptoms, particularly after travelling to affected countries or coming into contact with suspected cases, to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-medication.

Ulasi disclosed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre, intensified disease surveillance and strengthened emergency response mechanisms across the country as part of preparedness efforts.

She added that Enugu State is regarded as one of the locations requiring heightened vigilance because of its strategic commercial activities and the presence of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The agency urged Nigerians to maintain proper personal hygiene, avoid contact with sick or dead animals, promptly report suspected cases to health authorities and adhere to all public health advisories to help prevent the introduction and spread of the disease in Nigeria.