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Ebola Alert: 20 Key Facts As FG Traces 44 Contacts Over Suspected Case In FCT
The Federal Government has commenced contact tracing following a suspected imported case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 close contacts reportedly identified.
The development has renewed public concern about the deadly virus and the need for Nigerians to understand how it spreads, its symptoms and prevention measures.
Here are 20 important facts everyone should know:
1. Ebola is caused by a virus: The disease is caused by viruses belonging to the genus Orthoebolavirus, which can cause severe illness in humans and primates.
2. First identified in 1976: The disease was first recognised during outbreaks in what are now the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
3. Mainly in sub-Saharan Africa: Most outbreaks have occurred in Africa, though imported cases mean other regions must remain vigilant.
4. It can be deadly: Fatality rate varies by outbreak, virus species and access to timely medical care.
5. Does not spread by mere proximity: Walking past or standing beside an infected person does not ordinarily transmit the virus.
6. Not airborne like flu or COVID-19: It spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person.
7. Several body fluids transmit it: Including blood, vomit, faeces, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids.
8. Contagious when symptoms begin: Infected persons are generally not contagious before symptoms appear. Risk increases as illness progresses.
9. Incubation up to 21 days: Symptoms appear 2-21 days after exposure, commonly within 8-10 days.10. Fever is common early symptom: Early signs include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness and fatigue.
11. Causes severe digestive problems: Vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain can lead to dangerous dehydration.
12. Bleeding in severe cases: Some patients develop internal or external bleeding, though not in every case.
13. Can cause organ failure: Severe infection can damage organs, cause shock and death without appropriate care.
14. Healthcare workers at risk: Doctors and nurses can be infected without adequate PPE and infection prevention.
15. Family members and caregivers vulnerable: Those caring for infected relatives are at risk through direct contact with infectious fluids.
16. Contaminated objects spread it: Needles, bedding, clothing and medical equipment contaminated with infectious fluids can transmit the virus.
17. Safe burial is critical: Bodies of those who died from Ebola remain infectious and require specialised handling.
18. Infected animals can transmit to humans: Contact with infected wildlife, including certain bats and primates, or handling their tissues can cause infection.
19. Lab tests diagnose it: PCR testing of blood is commonly used. Suspected cases need assessment by trained professionals.
20. Urgent medical attention required: Anyone with compatible symptoms after possible exposure should contact health authorities immediately and be managed with proper isolation.
Nigerians are advised to avoid contact with body fluids of suspected cases, practise hand hygiene, avoid handling potentially infected wildlife and follow official health advisories. Anyone with suspected exposure should seek guidance and avoid direct contact while awaiting assessment.