Health
NCDC Heightens Vigilance Over Kenya’s Imported Bundibugyo Virus Case
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has heightened vigilance following Kenya’s confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) case linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said in a statement in Abuja, that the development underscored the risk of international disease importation through travel and population movement, including the possibility of transmission into Nigeria.
According to him , Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed that the case involved a Kenyan citizen living in the DRC, who travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated and tested positive.
He said that the patient subsequently died, while Kenyan health authorities commenced contact tracing and other response measures to identify exposed persons and prevent further transmission of the virus within the country.
Idris said that as of Oct. 6, there was no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria, while NCDC continued monitoring developments in Kenya, the DRC and other affected countries.
He said NCDC was reviewing Nigeria’s risk assessment and existing preparedness measures following the Kenyan case, with plans to strengthen interventions according to the evolving regional situation.
“Since the outbreak was reported in the DRC, NCDC, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, State Governments and partners have strengthened national Ebola preparedness measures.
“These measures include early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and protection of healthcare workers across the country.
“NCDC also conducted a National Ebola Preparedness Tabletop Simulation exercise to test existing response arrangements, assess readiness and identify gaps requiring further attention by relevant authorities and partners,” he said.
Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, and avoid direct contact with blood or body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola disease.
He also advised the public to avoid contact with bodies of people who died from unknown illnesses, as well as sick or dead wild animals and raw or improperly prepared bushmeat.
The director-general urged anyone who becomes unwell, particularly after travelling to an affected area or contacting a suspected case, to promptly seek care at a recognised health facility.
He also advised Nigerians to provide healthcare workers with accurate travel and exposure histories and rely on information from NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and other official sources.
“Healthcare workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion among patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or exposure histories within the preceding 21 days.”
He reminded healthcare workers that early Ebola symptoms may resemble common febrile illnesses and urged them not to wait for bleeding before considering the disease.
Idris also directed healthcare workers managing suspected cases to immediately isolate patients, apply appropriate precautions and personal protective equipment, and notify public health authorities through established surveillance channels.
“Travellers from affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, monitor their health for 21 days after leaving an affected area, and promptly report symptoms or possible exposure,” he said.
Idris said NCDC would continue working with national, regional and international partners to assess implications for Nigeria, strengthen preparedness and provide further updates as the regional situation evolves.(NAN)
Edited by Folasade Akpan