The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says Nigeria
is at high risk of importing Ebola from Uganda.
Uganda had declared an outbreak of Ebola after a 24-year-old
male exhibited symptoms of the disease, tested positive, and later died.
As of September 29, the Uganda ministry of health has
reported 54 cases (35 confirmed and 19 probable) and 25 deaths (seven confirmed
and 18 probable).
In a statement on Tuesday, NCDC said its multi-sectoral
national emerging viral haemorrhagic diseases technical working group (NEVHD
TWG), working with partners and stakeholders, has conducted a rapid risk
assessment to guide in-country preparedness activities.
“Based on available
data, the overall risk of importation of the Ebola virus and the impact on the
health of Nigerians has been assessed as high,” the statement reads.
“The likelihood of importation to Nigeria is high due to the
increased air travel between Nigeria and Uganda, especially through Kenya’s
Nairobi airport, a regional transport hub, and other neighbouring countries
that share a direct border with Uganda.
“The likelihood of spread in Nigeria following importation
is high due to the gatherings and travel associated with politics, the coming
yuletide as well as other religious gatherings and festivals during the last
few months of the year.”
The NCDC, however, said despite the risk assessment, Nigeria
has the capacity to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak.
“We have the diagnostic capacity to test for the EVD
presently at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and the Lagos
University Teaching Hospital’s Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology Laboratory,”
the statement reads.
“However, diagnostic capacity will be scaled up to other
laboratories in cities with important Points of Entry (POE) and others as may
be required.
“Currently, no case of EVD has been reported in Nigeria.
Nonetheless, the Nigerian government through NCDC’s multisectoral NEVHD TWG has
put several measures in place to prevent and prepare for immediate control of
any outbreak of the disease in-country.”
The agency also advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel
to locations where the outbreak is reported for the moment; avoid direct
contact with blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids of people with suspected or
confirmed Ebola; and call 6232 to ensure all persons with suspected symptoms of
Ebola are promptly taken to designated healthcare facilities.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com