21/10/2026
EBOLA IN NIGERIA: KNOW THE SIGNS AND PROTECT YOURSELF
Public Health Awareness by...
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⚠️ IMPORTANT HEALTH UPDATE — 21 OCTOBER 2026.
Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) on 20 October 2026. The patient is receiving medical care in isolation, and public health authorities are tracing people who may have been exposed. This is a developing situation, so follow official health updates rather than rumours.
WHAT IS EBOLA
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but serious infectious disease caused by certain viruses. It can cause severe illness and death, particularly without early medical care.
Ebola is not spread simply by sharing the same air or being near someone in an ordinary public setting. It mainly spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who has symptoms, or with contaminated objects.
WHAT ARE THE SIGN AND SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms usually develop 2–21 days after exposure.
Watch out for:
🌡️ Sudden fever.
🤕 Severe headache.
💪 Muscle pain and body weakness.
😴 Extreme tiredness.
🤢 Nausea and vomiting.
🚽 Diarrhoea.
😣 Stomach pain.
🔴 Unexplained rash.
🩸 Unexplained bleeding in some cases, particularly as the illness progresses.
Important: Early Ebola symptoms can resemble malaria, typhoid and other common illnesses. Symptoms alone cannot confirm Ebola; laboratory testing is necessary.
HOW DOES EBOLA SPREAD?
Ebola can spread through:
Direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person who is sick.
Contact with contaminated clothing, bedding, needles or other objects.
Contact with the body of someone who has died from Ebola.
Handling infected wild animals, particularly bats and non-human primates, or their bodily fluids.
A person infected with Ebola is generally not contagious before symptoms begin.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY?
Follow these important precautions:
✅ Wash your hands: Use soap and clean running water regularly, especially after visiting public places or caring for someone who is ill.
✅ Avoid contact with bodily fluids: Do not touch the blood, vomit, faeces or other bodily fluids of a person suspected of having Ebola.
✅ Do not share contaminated items: Avoid sharing needles, and do not handle potentially contaminated clothing or bedding without appropriate protective measures.
✅ Avoid handling sick or dead wild animals: Do not touch or prepare potentially infected animals.
✅ Seek medical advice early: If you develop symptoms after possible exposure, contact health authorities promptly and explain your symptoms and exposure history.
✅ Follow official guidance: Obtain information from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health.
These precautions help reduce the risk of infection.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT EBOLA?
Do not panic, but act promptly.
Avoid close physical contact with other people.
Do not travel to a hospital or clinic without first contacting health authorities for instructions.
Do not attempt to treat a suspected Ebola infection at home.
Inform health authorities about your symptoms, possible exposure and recent travel.
Follow the instructions provided by trained health professionals.
Early medical assessment and appropriate infection-control measures are essential.
IS EBOLA TREATABLE?
There is no single treatment that works for every type of Ebola virus disease. Supportive medical care, including fluid replacement and treatment of complications, can improve survival. Approved vaccines and treatments are available for certain Ebola virus species, but they are not approved for every species. The current Nigerian case involves the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
