Ebola can be mistaken for malaria — Medical expert

Health specialist Dr Abdullahi Nasiru has cautioned Nigerians that the early signs of Ebola Virus Disease can resemble those of malaria, urging people to seek professional medical care rather than self‑treating.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Dr Nasiru explained that initial Ebola symptoms—fever, headache, weakness, muscle aches and fatigue—mirror the common complaints associated with malaria, making the disease hard to identify quickly.

He noted that many Nigerians tend to assume every fever is malaria, a habit he called dangerous.

“Ebola symptoms can mimic malaria at the early stage. Fever, body weakness, headache and vomiting are signs many people ignore or treat casually at home,” Nasiru said.

He urged the public to go to a hospital immediately if symptoms persist or worsen, emphasizing that early detection and treatment are vital for controlling infectious diseases.

Nasiru also called on health authorities to strengthen public awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas, to curb panic and misinformation during outbreaks.

He advised residents to practice good hygiene, avoid contact with infected individuals, and report suspected cases to health officials promptly.