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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dismissed claims of an Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said it was responding to misinformation circulating about the disease by providing verified facts about Ebola transmission, prevention, symptoms, and the country’s preparedness measures.
It described claims of an Ebola outbreak in the country as false, emphasising that no confirmed cases had been recorded and noting that health authorities continued monitoring and preparedness efforts for any sign of the disease nationwide.
The agency also dismissed claims that salt water, bitter kola, herbs, or seasoning cubes could prevent or cure Ebola, adding that no approved home remedies currently exist for the deadly viral disease.
“People say Ebola and Hantavirus are the same disease. Hantavirus spreads mainly by inhaling rodent dust and rarely between people. Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids,” it said.
“Some people say Ebola outbreaks are deliberately created or manipulated. The truth is that Ebola is a known viral haemorrhagic illness with a history of outbreaks in several countries.”
It also debunked claims linking every fever to Ebola.
“People believe that if someone has a fever, it must be Ebola. The fact is that many illnesses cause fever, including malaria, typhoid, Lassa fever, and other infections. Healthcare workers use case definitions, travel history, symptoms, and laboratory testing to identify the real cause,” it said.
“Mislabeling delays proper treatment and fuels unnecessary fear.”
The NCDC also dismissed rumours suggesting that Ebola affects only other countries, stressing that although Nigeria had no confirmed case, regional outbreaks still required vigilance, preparedness, and responsible public health behaviour from citizens.
“Responsible public health behaviour reduces the risk of importation and onward transmission if a case occurs,” it said.
It also advised Nigerians against handling sick or dead animals, including bushmeat from unknown sources, urging citizens to report unusual illnesses promptly and remain calm, vigilant, and guided by verified public health information.
“Symptoms of Ebola infection may include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat. Other signs are vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, bleeding.
“If you develop these symptoms, seek care immediately. Do not self-medicate and do not delay reporting to health authorities,” it added.
The agency also encouraged early reporting and prompt medical intervention to save lives.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Ebola a global health emergency following the deaths of more than 100 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) after an outbreak of the disease. The United States has also tightened security checks after one of its citizens tested positive for the virus.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) assured travellers and Nigerians on Wednesday that it had strengthened safety measures at international airports across the country to curb the spread of the Ebola virus.
