EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE (EVD) : FACT SHEET

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE (EVD) : FACT SHEET

1. Overview

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans caused by infection with viruses of the Ebolavirus genus. The disease was first recognized in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2. Causative Agent and Reservoir

Caused by the Ebolavirus, especially the Zaire ebolavirus species which is implicated in most outbreaks.

The natural reservoir remains unconfirmed, but fruit bats are strongly suspected.

Transmission to humans occurs via contact with infected animals, followed by human-to-human transmission.

3. Mode of Transmission

EVD is transmitted via:

Direct contact with blood or body fluids (e.g. sweat, saliva, urine, semen) of infected persons.

Contact with contaminated objects (needles, surfaces, clothing).

Exposure during unsafe burial practices.

Healthcare associated infections.

Note: EVD is not airborne and requires direct exposure to infected fluids for transmission.

4. Incubation Period

2 to 21 days, typically 5–12 days.

Individuals are not infectious until symptoms begin.

5. Case Definitions (per WHO/NCDC)

A. Suspected Case

Any person presenting with:

Acute fever AND

One or more of:

Sore throat or difficulty swallowing

Headache, muscle or joint pain

Diarrhoea, vomiting

Abdominal pain

Hiccups

Bleeding (gums, stool, vomitus)

B. Probable Case

A deceased or living person with:

Clinical symptoms consistent with EVD AND

Epidemiological link to a confirmed or probable case

Without laboratory confirmation

C. Confirmed Case

Any suspected or probable case with laboratory confirmation via:

RT-PCR

Antigen detection (e.g., ELISA)

Testing available at: Lagos State Biobank, CHAZVY, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), NATIONAL REFERNCE LAB (NRL), and other NCDC-approved laboratories.

 

6. Clinical Presentation

See Case Definition above

7. Case Management

There is no specific antiviral currently available in Nigeria. Management is supportive:

A. Supportive Care

Oral/IV rehydration

Electrolyte replacement

Oxygen support

Pain and fever management

Treatment of co-infections

B. Advanced Therapeutics

WHO-approved monoclonal antibody therapies (e.g., Inmazeb, Ebanga) are effective against Zaire ebolavirus.

These therapies are not currently available in Nigeria.

8. Vaccination

The rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) vaccine is WHO-approved for use in outbreak settings via ring vaccination strategy.

It is not currently available in Nigeria and is not part of the routine outbreak response.

National strategy prioritizes early detection, isolation, IPC, and community engagement.

9. Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Guidelines

Key Measures:

PPE Use: Gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns/coveralls.

Hand Hygiene: Wash with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rubs.

Disinfection: Surfaces and instruments should be disinfected with 0.5% chlorine or hospital-grade disinfectants.

Use dedicated thermometers and stethoscopes per patient.

Decontaminate devices between uses.

 

Bed Coverings:

Use waterproof plastic sheets on beds.

Disinfect after patient discharge or death.

10. Community Measures

Avoid contact with suspected or confirmed EVD patients or corpses.

Do not participate in traditional burial rites (e.g. washing dead bodies) involving direct contact, in established outbreak situations.

Report all suspected symptoms or exposure to public health authorities.

11. Reporting & Referral Protocol

In case of a suspected case, healthcare workers should:

Notify: Lagos State Ministry of Health

Contact Numbers:

📞 767 / 112

📞 0802 396 2151

📞 0802 316 9485

Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health

Website: www.lagosministryofhealth.org,

Social Media Handles: X (Twitter) – @LSMOH, Instagram – @lagoshealth, Facebook –