Public health experts have urged the Federal Government and state authorities to immediately step up public awareness campaigns and strengthen disease surveillance systems as concerns grow over a fresh Ebola outbreak reported in parts of Africa.
The warning follows recent reports of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, raising fears that the deadly virus could find its way into Nigeria if preventive measures are not intensified.
According to leading epidemiologists and public health physicians, Nigeria’s large population, busy international travel routes, and porous borders make the country vulnerable to imported cases.
The experts stressed that waiting until a confirmed case is recorded before educating the public could prove costly, warning that Ebola spreads rapidly and can be fatal if not detected early.
They advised the government to launch aggressive sensitisation campaigns across communities, schools, religious centres, markets, and media platforms to ensure Nigerians understand how the disease spreads and how to protect themselves.
Health professionals also warned against risky practices such as handling or consuming bush meat, poor hygiene, and contact with infected animals, noting that such activities could increase the risk of transmission.
Professor Tanimola Akande, a public health expert, described Ebola as one of the world’s most dangerous infectious diseases due to its high fatality rate and ability to spread quickly from person to person.
He explained that early symptoms often include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and difficulty swallowing, while severe cases may result in unexplained bleeding.
The experts further cautioned against misinformation and fake remedies, recalling how false claims circulated during Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak, leading some people to adopt dangerous practices.
They also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads, and the media to join awareness efforts, saying trusted local voices can play a crucial role in helping people understand prevention measures and encouraging the early reporting of suspected cases.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has already placed several states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, on high alert while increasing surveillance at airports and other entry points.
Public health specialists say Nigeria has improved its disease monitoring systems since the successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, but insist that continued vigilance remains critical.
They urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with suspected cases, and immediately seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
