Following the reported confirmation of a Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigerians have been advised to observe basic hygiene practices and avoid contact with potentially infected bodily fluids to reduce the risk of infection.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) explains that Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. Understanding how the virus is transmitted, recognising possible symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly are important steps in preventing further infections.
Ebola is not spread through every form of human interaction. However, people may be exposed when they come into direct contact with infected bodily fluids or objects contaminated by those fluids. The risk is particularly important when caring for sick people, handling the bodies of deceased victims or participating in unsafe burial practices.
How Ebola spreads
Transmission can occur through direct contact with the blood, vomit, saliva, sweat and other bodily fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms. Contact with contaminated clothing, bedding and other materials may also expose people to the virus.
Handling or consuming infected wild animals can present another route of exposure. People should therefore avoid handling animals found dead or suspected of being infected and should ensure that meat is obtained, prepared and cooked safely.
Healthcare workers and caregivers may face increased exposure risks if they attend to suspected cases without following appropriate infection prevention measures. Anyone caring for a person suspected of having Ebola should seek guidance from health professionals rather than attempting to manage the illness without adequate protection.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure to the virus. Possible signs include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhoea. Bleeding may also occur, although it is not present in every case.
These symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses, so they should not automatically be treated as proof of Ebola infection. Nevertheless, anyone who develops compatible symptoms after a possible exposure should seek urgent medical advice and explain their exposure history to health workers.
People who suspect they may have been exposed should avoid unnecessary contact with others while seeking professional guidance. They should also contact the relevant health authorities for instructions on where and how to receive care safely.
Practical steps to prevent infection
Regular handwashing with soap and clean running water is an important precaution. Where these facilities are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can help maintain hand hygiene.
Nigerians should avoid direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola. They should also refrain from handling the bodies of people who may have died from the disease. Such cases require trained personnel who can follow the appropriate safety procedures.
Food safety is equally important. People should avoid consuming potentially infected wild animals and ensure that meat is handled hygienically and thoroughly cooked. Drinking water from safe sources and maintaining good hygiene can also reduce exposure to other infectious diseases.
Healthcare professionals must follow established infection prevention and control procedures, including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of potentially infectious materials and appropriate isolation arrangements for suspected cases.
Separating Ebola myths from facts
One common misconception is that Ebola spreads through ordinary social contact, such as shaking hands or hugging an uninfected person. Casual contact alone is not the usual route of transmission. Infection generally occurs when a person comes into direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is infected and showing symptoms, or with contaminated materials.
Another claim is that Ebola spreads through the air in the same way as airborne respiratory infections. Ebola is not generally considered an airborne disease, and transmission typically involves direct contact with infectious bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
Claims that healthcare facilities are automatically unsafe during an outbreak are also misleading. Health facilities can reduce transmission risks through appropriate screening, isolation, hand hygiene, protective equipment and other infection prevention measures. Anyone who needs medical attention should follow guidance from health authorities rather than avoid necessary care because of rumours.
Although ordinary food and water are not recognised as the usual routes of Ebola transmission, people should continue to observe food hygiene practices, thoroughly cook meat and drink safe water.
Rely on official health information
During a suspected or confirmed outbreak, sharing unverified reports can cause unnecessary fear and interfere with public health efforts. Nigerians should obtain updates and safety instructions from the NCDC and other authorised health agencies.
Anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms after a possible contact should seek prompt medical guidance and follow instructions from health professionals. Early reporting, safe care practices and cooperation with public health authorities are essential to limiting the spread of the disease.
