PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: EBOLA OUTBREAK IN UGANDA

The Ministry of Health in Uganda has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City, Uganda, caused by the Sudan strain of the virus. As of the latest reports, one fatality has been confirmed, and 44 individuals are under observation. While no cases have been detected in Nigeria, authorities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), are on high alert to prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to any potential threats.

WHAT IS EBOLA?

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a highly infectious and deadly viral disease transmitted through:

• Direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals (blood, saliva, sweat, urine, vomit, feces, breast milk, semen).
• Contaminated objects and surfaces.
• Wildlife such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, monkeys, and antelopes.
• Unsafe burial practices involving infected bodies.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and can rapidly worsen if left untreated. Key signs include:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
• Unexplained bleeding from body opening
• Organ failure in severe cases

If you experience these symptoms and have recently traveled to an affected area or had contact with a suspected case, seek immediate medical attention.

WHO SHOULD SPEAK TO A DOCTOR?

You should consult a healthcare professional if you:

• Show symptoms after visiting a region affected by an Ebola outbreak.
• Had direct or indirect contact with someone possibly infected.

Since Ebola symptoms resemble malaria, typhoid fever, meningitis, and even pregnancy-related conditions, early testing is crucial to rule out other illnesses.

HOW IS EBOLA DIAGNOSED?

To confirm an Ebola infection, specialized laboratory tests include:

• ELISA (Antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
• Antigen-capture detection tests
• Serum neutralization tests
• RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) assays
• Electron microscopy
• Virus isolation using cell cultures

Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective patient management and outbreak containment.

PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS

Although Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola cases, precautionary measures have been put in place. The NCDC has activated heightened surveillance at points of entry, including airports, and prepared designated laboratories for EVD testing.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

1. Maintain good hand hygiene – Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers.

2. Avoid contact with bodily fluids – Do not touch or share items with anyone showing symptoms.

3. Stay away from bush meat – Refrain from consuming bats, monkeys, or other wildlife known to carry the virus.

4. Follow safe burial practices – Do not handle the bodies of suspected Ebola victims.

5. Monitor travel advisories – Avoid unnecessary trips to affected regions.

6. Seek medical help immediately – If you experience symptoms, call 6232 (NCDC hotline) or your State Ministry of Health hotline for guidance.

MESSAGE TO HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Medical personnel should maintain a high level of suspicion for EVD, especially in patients with unexplained fevers or hemorrhagic symptoms. Strict infection control measures, including the use of PPE (gloves, masks, gowns, face shields), patient isolation, and immediate case reporting, are mandatory.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, Nigerians are advised to limit non-essential travel to affected areas. Those returning from Ebola-affected regions should self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days and immediately report any health concerns.

FINAL WORD

The risk of Ebola spread to Nigeria remains moderate, but vigilance is crucial. By staying informed, practicing preventive measures, and seeking early medical attention when necessary, we can collectively prevent an outbreak.

 

For verified updates, follow:

📞 NCDC Toll-free Hotline: 6232

📱 WhatsApp: 07087110839

💻 Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @NCDCgov

Stay Alert. Stay Safe. Stay Informed.

 

Adélékè Ọláolúwa (Olúọmọ)