The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to avoid handshakes, hugs and other unnecessary physical contact following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In a public health statement, the Academy said the case involved a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda.
The Academy commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other health authorities for their response, including the isolation of the patient and the start of contact tracing.
It called for increased surveillance across the country, improved screening at airports, seaports and land borders, and the activation of isolation and treatment centres across states.
The Academy also urged public and private health facilities to strengthen infection prevention measures and ensure that health workers have adequate protective equipment.
It advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
The statement explained that Ebola does not spread through the air. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, a person who has died from the disease, or materials contaminated with these fluids.
The Academy advised anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea after possible exposure to contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility.
It also urged Nigerians to avoid spreading rumours or stigmatising affected persons and to rely on information from official health authorities.
For information or to report a suspected case, the public can call the NCDC toll-free number, 6232, which is available 24 hours a day.
The statement was signed by Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie, President of the Academy; Professor Oladapo A. Ashiru, Foundation President; and Professor Boaz Adegboro of the Rapid Response Committee.
