The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Nigerians to remain calm following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the country, while stressing the importance of public awareness and vigilance as health authorities work to prevent further spread of the disease.
The reassurance comes as Nigerian health authorities continue monitoring the situation and tracing people who may have been exposed to the infected patient. According to reports, the confirmed case involves a traveller who arrived in Nigeria after travelling through Uganda, where an Ebola outbreak had been reported.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also called for an emergency virtual summit scheduled for October 28 to address the wider regional health emergency. The situation has raised concerns about cross-border transmission and the need for countries to strengthen disease surveillance.
Health officials are encouraging Nigerians to follow verified information from recognised health agencies and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports on social media. People should also seek medical attention if they develop symptoms after a possible exposure, rather than attempting to diagnose themselves.
Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the disease. Early recognition, prompt medical care and effective contact tracing are important in limiting transmission.
The WHO’s reassurance is important because confirmation of an individual case does not automatically mean that widespread transmission is occurring across Nigeria. However, continued monitoring and cooperation with health authorities remain essential while investigations are ongoing.
For now, Nigerians are advised to stay informed through official updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the WHO, while avoiding unnecessary panic.
