The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has issued a warning to Nigerians about Ebola and other biosecurity threats.
Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director-General (DG) of the NBMA, gave the warning in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Asagbra explained that Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases, with a fatality rate of between 25 and 90 per cent.
She noted that recent reports of suspected viral haemorrhagic fevers in Nigeria and neighbouring countries served as a reminder that biosecurity is a shared responsibility.
She added that other biosecurity threats in the country include Lassa fever, avian influenza, anthrax, and antimicrobial resistance — all of which require vigilance and preparedness.
For more information on the Ebola virus and recent control activities in Nigeria, the public is advised to read the recent Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Public Health Advisory on Suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Events in Abuja.
Nigerians are strongly advised to report immediately to a hospital if feeling unwell — especially after travelling outside the country — and clearly explain their travel history to healthcare workers,” Asagbra advised.
The DG also urged Nigerians to practise proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and running water, or using alcohol-based sanitisers.
Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever, bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Avoid contact with wild animals such as bats, monkeys, or apes. Ensure all animal products are well cooked before eating.
Report suspected cases immediately to health authorities via the NCDC Connect Centre (6232) or the NBMA hotline.
Rely only on verified information from NCDC, NBMA, and authorised sources, and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation.
Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. NBMA, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s defences against biological risks,” she added.
Asagbra further urged Nigerians to remain safe, healthy, and resilient in the face of Ebola and all other biosecurity threats.
She emphasised that religious and traditional rulers, as well as community leaders, are powerful allies in safeguarding public health.
She therefore urged them to use their influence to promote trust in health authorities and to discourage harmful rumours or misinformation.
Encourage safe burial practices and discourage contact with corpses of suspected infectious disease victims.
Mobilise communities to adopt hygiene practices, report unusual illnesses, and support surveillance efforts, the NBMA boss further advised.
— (NAN)
