Nigeria Raises Ebola Alert In Major States
In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Lagos, the FCT and several other states on high alert over the risk of Ebola.
The warning follows outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain in parts of East and Central Africa. Health officials said the risk of importation remains high due to travel and border movement.
States flagged as high risk include Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, Kano, Enugu and others with busy airports, seaports and border routes. The agency said no case has been recorded in Nigeria so far.
It added that surveillance has been stepped up across entry points. Health authorities are preparing isolation centres and response teams.
The NCDC reported more than 1,000 suspected cases and hundreds of deaths in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It noted that the strain is different from the more common Ebola type and has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Officials also warned that early symptoms may be confused with malaria or other common illnesses.
As part of preparedness, emergency operations have been activated nationwide. State governments were asked to strengthen monitoring, protect health workers and improve public awareness.
Nigerians have been advised to stay calm, report symptoms early and avoid misinformation as efforts continue to prevent spread.
