NOA urges Nigerians to remain vigilant about Ebola amid global concerns

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano State has called on Nigerians to stay vigilant and adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), even though no cases have been confirmed in the country.

State director Mariya Bello Maikudi issued the warning in a public health advisory on Tuesday.

She said the alert was prompted by growing international concerns and the heightened risk of cross‑border transmission through travel.

Maikudi noted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed the country on high alert as a precautionary step to safeguard public health.

“Although no confirmed case has been reported in Nigeria at this time, the country has been placed on high alert,” she said.

The agency explained that Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or secretions of an infected person or animal.

Typical symptoms include sudden fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding from various parts of the body.

NOA urged Nigerians to maintain good hygiene and take simple preventive steps to lower the risk of infection.

Citizens were advised to wash hands regularly with soap and clean running water or use alcohol‑based hand sanitizers and to avoid physical contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme weakness.

The agency also cautioned against touching blood, body fluids, or personal items of sick individuals without proper protection and advised against handling or consuming bushmeat or animals found dead or ill.

It called on the public to report any suspected case immediately to the nearest health facility and to cooperate with health officials during screening and contact tracing.

“Rely only on verified information from government health authorities and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation,” the advisory added.

Specific guidance was given to travellers returning from countries with confirmed Ebola outbreaks, urging them to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention if any symptoms appear.

For health workers, NOA stressed strict adherence to safety protocols.

They were advised to maintain a high level of suspicion, especially for patients with recent travel history, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and promptly isolate and report suspected cases.

Maikudi emphasized that the cooperation of all Nigerians is essential to preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

“Early reporting, responsible behaviour, and strict adherence to public health advisories remain the nation’s strongest defence,” she said.