The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has placed Nigeria at ‘moderate risk’ of Ebola virus disease (EVD) as Guinea battles infection.
The NCDC made this known in a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, on Friday.
He said that the decision was based on the proximity of Guinea to Nigeria and other West African countries, as well as other indicators.
Guinea experienced an outbreak of Ebola on February 14, with cases of deaths reported in the Nzerekore region of the country.
“The cases were detected among seven people who had attended the burial of a nurse on February 1”, Ihekweazu said.
Following the declaration of the outbreak, the Guinean government initiated response activities.
The World Health Organization, Africa Centres for Disease Control, and West African Health Organisation, have all announced that they are supporting the country’s response activities.
The government of Guinea has also begun processes to access the global stockpile of vaccines for Ebola virus disease from the Vaccine International Coordinating Group.
The NCDC said it has an existing multi sectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Working Group, which coordinates preparedness efforts for EVD and other emerging viral haemorrhagic diseases.
“The EVHDWG has carried out a risk assessment on the possibility of transmission of the virus to Nigeria.
“Given the proximity of Guinea to Nigeria and other West African countries as well as other indicators, Nigeria has been placed at moderate risk of an EVD outbreak,” he stated.
To prevent the spread of Ebola, NCDC advises members of the public to adhere to the following precautions:
“Wash your hands frequently using soap and water – use hand sanitisers when soap and water is not readily available.
Avoid direct handling of dead wild animals.
Avoid physical contact with anyone who has possible symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis.
Make sure fruits and vegetables are properly washed and peeled before you eat them.
Health care workers are advised to ensure universal precautions at all times. This includes the use of personal protective equipment always when handling patients.”
“The NCDC remains fully committed to protecting the health of all Nigerians from infectious disease threats,” Ihekweazu added.