Ebola Alert: Nigerian Medical Experts Advise Public to Avoid Handshakes, Hugs
The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has advised Nigerians to avoid handshakes, hugs and unnecessary physical contact following a confirmed case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The case involves a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Reacting to the report, the academy endorsed the response measures announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and urged authorities to strengthen efforts to prevent further transmission.
In a joint statement, the academy commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and international partners for their prompt response.
The statement was signed by the academy’s President, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie; Foundation President, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru; and Chairman of its Rapid Response Committee, Prof. Boaz Adegboro.
The medical body praised authorities for initiating contact tracing, isolating the infected patient and intensifying surveillance to identify individuals who might have been exposed to the virus.
It called for the immediate activation of heightened emergency preparedness measures nationwide, drawing lessons from Nigeria’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The academy also urged the government to strengthen screening at airports, seaports and land borders, particularly for travellers arriving from countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks.
It recommended activating isolation and treatment facilities across all states while enforcing strict infection prevention and control measures in public and private healthcare facilities.
Healthcare workers were advised to remain vigilant, promptly isolate suspected Ebola patients and immediately report such cases to the appropriate public health authorities.
The academy clarified that Ebola is not an airborne disease, urging Nigerians to understand how the virus spreads and follow appropriate precautions without giving in to unnecessary panic.
According to the statement, transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people or deceased victims, as well as materials contaminated by those fluids.
The academy explained that infected individuals cannot transmit Ebola before developing symptoms. It also encouraged Nigerians to adopt safer greetings that do not involve physical contact.
It advised the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers to reduce the risk of infection.
Nigerians were also warned against contact with the bodily fluids of sick individuals and advised not to touch the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola.
The academy urged citizens to watch for symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headaches, vomiting and diarrhoea, which may indicate a possible Ebola infection.
Anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms was advised to contact public health authorities before physically visiting a hospital or another healthcare facility.
The medical body further encouraged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and obtain information from credible health authorities rather than spreading rumours or stigmatising suspected cases.
Reaffirming its commitment to the national response, the academy said it remained ready to provide expert clinical advice and support to the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
It urged Nigerians to report suspected Ebola cases to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention through its 24-hour toll-free hotline, 6232.
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