KEY POINTS

• The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has advised Nigerians to avoid handshakes, hugs and unnecessary physical contact following confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
• The academy called for heightened screening at airports, seaports and land borders, alongside stronger infection prevention measures in health facilities.
• It urged people with suspected exposure or symptoms to contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility.
• The public can call the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, for information or to report suspected cases.

MAIN STORY

The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to avoid handshakes, hugs and unnecessary physical contact following confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in Abuja.

The academy’s president, Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, gave the advice on Tuesday in a public health statement responding to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s announcement of the case, which involves a woman who recently arrived from Uganda.

Giwa-Osagie urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, emphasising the importance of preventive measures and compliance with official health guidance. He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and relevant agencies for initiating response measures, including patient isolation, contact tracing and intensified surveillance.

He also called for the immediate activation of high-alert protocols nationwide, drawing on Nigeria’s experience in responding to the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The academy urged authorities to strengthen screening at airports, seaports and land borders, particularly for travellers arriving from countries affected by Ebola. It also called for improved infection prevention and control in public and private health facilities, including the provision of personal protective equipment for health workers.

Explaining how the disease spreads, Giwa-Osagie said Ebola is not airborne but is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected people who are sick or have died. Transmission can also occur through materials contaminated with these fluids.

He added that people infected with Ebola do not transmit the virus before symptoms develop.

The academy advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Members of the public were also urged to avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people and not to handle the bodies of suspected Ebola victims.

Possible symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea.

THE ISSUES

The advice places emphasis on reducing opportunities for direct contact with infectious body fluids while health authorities trace people who may have been exposed.

Contact tracing, early identification of suspected cases and infection prevention in healthcare facilities are important elements of containing an outbreak. Protective equipment and appropriate procedures are also necessary to reduce the risk to health workers and other patients.

The academy’s recommendations on screening at points of entry reflect concerns about identifying possible cases among travellers. However, screening measures need to operate alongside surveillance, prompt reporting and established public health protocols.

Public communication is another important part of the response. Accurate information can help people recognise possible symptoms and seek appropriate guidance without creating unnecessary panic or stigma.

WHAT’S BEING SAID

“There is the need for stronger infection prevention and control measures in public and private health facilities, alongside personal protective equipment for health workers.” – Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, President, Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria.

“Anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms should contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility.” – Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, President, Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria.

WHAT’S NEXT

The academy urged anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms consistent with Ebola to contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility.

It also called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from stigmatising affected people.

Members of the public can call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s toll-free number, 6232, for information or to report suspected cases.

BOTTOM LINE

The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria is urging caution following the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja, with emphasis on avoiding unnecessary physical contact, maintaining hygiene and reporting suspected exposure promptly. Public cooperation with health authorities will be important to the containment effort.

Source: NAN