Uganda – Following the confirmation of an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has initiated measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness, advising Nigerians to shelve travels to countries affected by the disease.
It, however, assured that there was no case of Ebola in the country at present.
The NCDC in the public health advisory, noted that though WHO had advised against any restrictions to travel and /or trade to Uganda, it advised Nigerians and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed cases of the Ebola virus disease. Uganda had on January 30, 2025, confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease, caused by the Sudan species, in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale city in Mbale district.
According to the country’s ministry of health, only one case has so far been reported, and one death (confirmed by post-mortem), with 44 contacts being followed. NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, who disclosed these in the public health advisory, noted that Uganda had experience in responding to Ebola disease outbreaks, and that necessary action had been initiated.
The public advisory read: “There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners, through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, continues the update of our EVD emergency contingency plan, heightened surveillance, especially at the points of entry, and optimizing diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories in cities with international airports of entry and the national reference laboratory.
“In addition, all Lassa fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up testing if the need arises.
“Ebola virus disease, EVD, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe, often deadly disease caused by the Ebola virus, with a fatality rate of 25-90 per cent.
‘’There are five distinct species of the virus: Bundibugyo, Zaire (the most fatal of all the five strains, and responsible for the most EVD outbreaks, including the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa), Reston, Tai Forest, and the Sudan (responsible for the outbreak in Uganda).
“The infection is transmitted from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with the body fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, urine, feces, sweat, breast milk, and semen of an infected person), contaminated objects, or infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, porcupines, and forest antelope.
‘’The virus can also be transmitted through contact with wildlife and unsafe burial practices. The incubation period, i.e. from exposure to the development of signs and symptoms ranges from 2-21 days.
“During an outbreak, those at risk of infection are health workers, family members, and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.
“The initial symptoms of EVD include sudden onset of high fever, accompanied by other non-specific signs and symptoms such as headache, body aches, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea.• Jaundice (yellowing of the eye)
“The following may occur after the onset of the above symptoms: And in severe cases, uncontrolled bleeding from orifices, dysfunction and/or failure of several body organs such as the kidneys, liver, central nervous system involvement, progressing to shock and death.’’
By Damilola Adeleke| 3rd February, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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