Nigeria Acts After a New Ebola Outbreak in Uganda Claims One Life.

In response to a recent outbreak of Ebola in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has enhanced surveillance protocols at the nation's entry points. Last week, Uganda's Ministry of Health reported the emergence of the Ebola outbreak, confirming one fatality and monitoring forty-four individuals who had been in contact with the infected person. In light of this situation, the NCDC issued an advisory stating: "There are currently no reported cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in partnership with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, is actively monitoring the situation and has implemented measures to bolster our preparedness in the country," remarked the agency’s Director-General, Jide Idris, in a statement on Sunday. "These measures include updating our EVD emergency contingency plan, increasing surveillance particularly at entry points, and enhancing diagnostic capabilities for EVD testing in designated laboratories located in cities with international airports, as well as at the National Reference Laboratory. Furthermore, all laboratories that conduct Lassa Fever testing can be mobilized to increase testing capacity if necessary." "There are vaccines and treatments available for certain strains of the Ebola virus. The vaccine approved for the Zaire species (EBV) is not presently accessible in the country but can be procured from the WHO Afro; however, it does not provide protection against the Sudan virus." "Timely identification, patient isolation, initiation of supportive care, implementation of infection control measures in healthcare settings and households, contact tracing and monitoring, along with safe burial practices, can significantly reduce morbidity and the likelihood of mortality."