By Franca Ofili
The West African Health Organization (WAHO) says it is strengthening regional health surveillance following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported Ebola Virus Disease case in Abuja on Oct. 20.
The organisation said this in a post on its official X handle on Wednesday.
WAHO, a specialised health institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said it was monitoring developments alongside Nigerian health authorities and regional surveillance mechanisms.
According to information provided by Nigerian health authorities, the patient, a woman who recently arrived from Uganda, developed symptoms on Oct. 7 and received care at a private health facility in Abuja.
The authorities said the diagnosis was confirmed through laboratory testing on Oct. 20, prompting heightened regional vigilance and coordination to prevent possible cross-border transmission.
WAHO said it remained in contact with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant authorities to monitor developments and strengthen preparedness across ECOWAS member states.
“As part of its response, WAHO held a briefing on Oct. 21 with directors of National Public Health Institutes across ECOWAS member states to discuss the evolving situation,” it said.
The organisation said early detection, prompt reporting of suspected cases, effective epidemiological surveillance and coordination among health services were essential to preventing and controlling epidemic-prone diseases.
It advised the public to maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently with clean water and soap or using alcohol-based sanitisers to reduce infection risks.
It also urged people to avoid direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of sick or deceased persons, including vomit, faeces, urine, saliva and sweat.
The organisation cautioned against handling the clothing, bedding and personal belongings of infected persons, while urging authorities to ensure safe and dignified burials by trained teams.
WAHO further advised the public against handling or consuming bushmeat and warned against contact with sick or dead animals, including bats and primates, urging thorough cooking of all meat.
It urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, severe fatigue, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding to seek immediate medical assistance at an appropriate health facility.
The organisation also advised people to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas and to follow official health guidance whenever travel became unavoidable.
WAHO urged the public to rely on information from official sources and avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports that could cause unnecessary fear or undermine response efforts.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with ECOWAS health ministries, technical partners and financial institutions to strengthen regional health security and protect West African populations.
Through the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) based in Abuja, WAHO said it would continue monitoring developments and communicating relevant information in coordination with health authorities.(NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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