WHO: Africa Faces 'Complex' Ebola Outbreak

The World Health Organisation’s Africa chief Mohamed Janabi warned on Thursday that the continent now faces a complex Ebola outbreak after the virus crossed from East Africa into Nigeria, marking the first reported case in West Africa.

“We are facing a more complex outbreak landscape. Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease,” stated Janabi, the regional director for WHO in Africa, during an online media briefing.

Nigerian authorities announced on Tuesday that a female diplomat travelling from Uganda contracted the Bundibugyo strain, which previously fuelled a major outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Nigeria thus becomes the fourth African nation affected by this expanding epidemic, joining Kenya, which has reported nine cases since October 6.

WHO: Africa faces ‘complex' Ebola outbreak (News Central TV) — WHO: Africa faces ‘complex’ Ebola outbreak. Credit: Reuters

This latest infection revives memories of the devastating 2013–2016 West African outbreak that claimed over 11,000 lives.

However, Nigeria’s successful containment of that past epidemic boosts confidence in the nation’s current medical response.

Meanwhile, health authorities note that the DRC’s ongoing epidemic has become its deadliest ever, causing 4,381 deaths out of more than 9,000 confirmed cases since mid-May.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.