The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to avoid handshakes, hugs and unnecessary physical contact following confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.

The academy’s president, Osato Giwa-Osagie, gave the advice on Tuesday in a public health statement responding to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s announcement. According to the statement, the reported case involves a woman who recently arrived from Uganda.

Mr Giwa-Osagie said Nigerians should remain calm but vigilant, stressing the importance of preventive measures and strict adherence to official health guidance.

The statement also named the academy’s foundation president, Oladapo Ashiru, and Rapid Response Committee representative, Boaz Adegboro.

Mr Giwa-Osagie commended the health minister, Ali Pate, and relevant agencies for initiating response measures, including patient isolation, contact tracing and intensified surveillance to prevent further transmission.

He called for the immediate activation of high-alert protocols nationwide, citing Nigeria’s experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak and responding to COVID-19 and urged enhanced screening at airports, seaports and land borders, particularly for travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries.

“There is a need for stronger infection prevention and control measures in public and private health facilities, alongside personal protective equipment for health workers,” he said.

Mr Giwa-Osagie stressed the need for prompt identification, isolation and reporting of suspected cases to prevent further transmission. He explained that Ebola was not airborne but spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected people who were sick or had died. He added that transmission could also occur through materials contaminated with such body fluids.

According to him, people infected with Ebola could not transmit the disease before developing symptoms. He advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Mr Giwa-Osagie said the public should avoid contact with sick people’s body fluids and refrain from handling the bodies of suspected Ebola victims. He listed possible symptoms as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea.

“Anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms should contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from stigmatising affected persons.

The academy advised members of the public to call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s toll-free number, 6232, for information or to report suspected cases.

(NAN)