NCDC caustion Nigeria over high risk of importing Ebola from Uganda
The Nigeria Centre for Illness (NCDC) issued a warning on Tuesday that Nigeria faces a high risk of importing the deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD) as a result of an epidemic in Uganda.
On September 20, 2022, Uganda, a nation in East Africa, declared an epidemic of the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. The World Health Organization has also recognized that this outbreak exists (WHO).
The Ugandan Ministry of Health recorded 54 cases and 25 fatalities as of September 29, 2022. Since then, a quick risk assessment was carried out by the NCDCâs multisectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group (NEVHD TWG), in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, to direct in-country preparedness activities.
The centre stated in a statement that âbased on the evidence available, the overall risk of importation of the Ebola virus and the impact on the health of Nigerians has been rated as high.â
The NCDC claims that because of increased air traffic between Nigeria and Uganda, particularly through Kenyaâs Nairobi airport, a major regional transportation center, and other neighboring nations that have a direct border with Uganda, Nigeria is at a high risk of importing the virus.
The center also said that because of political events, upcoming holidays, and other religious gatherings and festivals in the final few months of the year, there is a strong possibility that the disease will spread in Nigeria after importation.
The extent of the outbreak in Uganda has not yet been determined as investigations have shown that some people may have died with similar symptoms but were not reported to health authorities. These are some of the additional reasons why Nigeria remains at high risk, according to the center. The Sudan Ebola Virus does not currently have an effective drug for treatment or licensed vaccine for prevention. Additionally, their funerals were not done in a way that would have prevented transmission.
The NCDC also revealed that the patient fatality rate of the Sudan virus in previous epidemics ranged from 41 to 100 percent.
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The successful response to the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and improvements in our capacity for health emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic led the NCDC to claim that Nigeria has the technical, human (health workforce), and diagnostic capacity to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak.
âAs of right now, Nigeria has not reported any EVD cases. However, the Nigerian government has implemented a number of initiatives through NCDCâs multisectoral NEVHD TWG to avoid and get ready for quick control of any disease epidemic in the nation.
The preparation of an incident action plan for the initial instances of EVD has started, according to the NCDC, and its Incident Coordination Centre (ICC) is currently in alert mode.
The center said that the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP) platformâs passenger pre-boarding health declaration and screening form has increased POE surveillance.
âFor 21 days following their arrival in Nigeria, passengers arriving from Uganda and anyone who transited there are being monitored for any changes in their health.
In case of an outbreak, trained Rapid Response Teams are prepared to go into action. In addition to other preparations, the center stated that Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) in States with large POE, including as Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Rivers State, are on alert.
However, the center advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary travel to areas where the outbreak is currently reported and to avoid coming into touch with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of those who have EVD. To ensure that all individuals exhibiting the aforementioned suspected EVD symptoms are swiftly transported to designated healthcare facilities by the accountable State Ministry of Health for prompt diagnosis and initiation of supportive treatment, call 6232 or other dedicated hotlines by State Ministries of Health. In suspected and/or confirmed EVD cases, direct physical contact should be avoided by ensuring strict isolation, the use of protective gowns, etc.
Humans are susceptible to the severe, frequently deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD). The outbreak-causing strain was initially discovered in southern Sudan in June 1976. Since then, four outbreaks in Uganda and three in Sudan caused by this strain have been documented. In those earlier outbreaks, the fatality rate ranged from 41% to 100%.
Like with previous strains of the Ebola virus, infection cannot be spread until symptoms appear. Fever, tiredness, muscle discomfort, headaches, and sore throat are among of the symptoms. These are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and signs of compromised kidney and liver function. The usual time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to the virus is between 8 and 10 days.
For the prevention and treatment of this viral strain, there are currently no vaccinations or treatments available. However, it has been demonstrated that early supportive therapy commencement greatly lowers fatalities.
Good supportive clinical treatment, co-morbidity management, and the patientâs immunological response all play a role in EVD recovery. Antibodies are produced by Ebola virus-infected individuals and survive for at least 10 years.
