The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has explained how Ebola spreads and listed its warning signs following the confirmation of an imported case in Abuja, as health authorities monitor 44 close contacts of the infected traveller.
The agency issued the public health advisory on its social media platforms on Wednesday, urging Nigerians to remain calm, recognise possible symptoms and report suspected cases or exposure promptly to health authorities.
According to the NOA, Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or someone who has died from the disease. Contact with materials contaminated by such fluids can also result in infection.
“Ebola spreads through direct contact,” the agency stated, stressing that the virus is not transmitted before an infected person develops symptoms.
The NOA said members of the public should pay attention to symptoms including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly where there has been possible exposure to the virus.
“Recognise the symptoms,” the agency advised, highlighting the need for people who may have been exposed to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.
It also stressed that prompt reporting of suspected exposure and illness would help public health authorities respond quickly and prevent further transmission.
“Early reporting matters,” the agency stated, urging Nigerians to follow verified public health guidance rather than rely on unconfirmed information.
The advisory follows the reported confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory involving a traveller who arrived from Uganda. According to the agency’s notice, 44 close contacts were under medical monitoring.
Contact tracing is a key public health measure used to identify people who may have been exposed to an infected person, assess their risk and monitor them for symptoms. Identifying contacts early can help authorities detect further cases and limit the spread of infection.
Ebola is a serious viral disease that can cause severe illness and death.
However, it does not spread through casual proximity alone; transmission occurs through specific forms of contact, particularly with the body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms or with contaminated materials.
The NOA urged Nigerians to remain vigilant without panicking, follow official health advice and promptly report possible exposure or symptoms to health professionals.
