Bukola Afeni
The Academy of Medical Sciences Nigeria has urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant following the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The health association stated this in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Academy’s Rapid Response Committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and the Academy President, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, on Monday.
It warned that strict public health measures are necessary to prevent the virus from spreading into the country.
It also raised concerns over the risk of cross-border transmission and called for intensified national surveillance and emergency preparedness across Nigeria, noting that Ebola remains a severe and highly fatal viral disease capable of spreading through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials.
“The recurrence of Ebola outbreaks within the African continent underscores the continued vulnerability of all nations to transboundary infectious diseases,” the statement said.
According to the Academy, the outbreak has recorded eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in the DRC, while Uganda has confirmed two cases, including one death.
The Academy urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, to enhance diagnostic capacity for early detection.
It also called for the activation of emergency response systems, including isolation centres, rapid response teams, and adequate supply of personal protective equipment for health workers.
The body further advised hospitals and clinics to enforce strict infection prevention measures and ensure prompt isolation of suspected cases to curb any potential outbreak.
The Academy stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to combat misinformation and panic, while encouraging Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids, and report suspected symptoms to health authorities immediately.
