BUNDIBUGYO VIRUS: ONE IMPORTED CASE IN NIGERIA, NO EVIDENCE OF COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION

One confirmed imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease (Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus) has been reported in Nigeria. This case travelled from Uganda and began showing symptoms on the 7th Oct, then attended medical care on 11th Oct and tested positive on the 20th Oct. This does not indicate community transmission in Nigeria.
Key Public Health Updates
WHO have recently provided more details stating there are 44 people in contact with the confirmed Nigerian case. They are under observation to investigate travel and exposure.
The individual is under isolation and receiving medical treatment. National and state level incident management systems have been put in place.
There have been 2 further suspected cases reported in Nigeria. These are also under isolation and testing. However, these have tested negative following 2 rounds of testing. There is still just 1 confirmed case in Nigeria.
This is an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus. Transmission is primarily through direct contact with blood/body fluids from an infected person, contaminated items or unsafe burial practices. Those infected generally aren’t infectious until symptoms present.
WHO have stated there is ongoing transmission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Kenya there were cases reported but these were associated with 1 cluster and there is no evidence of community transmission as of 20th October.
What Nigeria are doing
Contact tracing with ongoing daily monitoring of those potentially exposed.
Investigation of cases, testing and rapid isolation of suspected cases.
Infection control within health facilities with PPE for staff.
Screening at entry points. Coordination with Uganda, Kenya, DRC, WHO and Africa CDC.
Remaining prepared for any new cases.
WHO are advising not to implement travel or trade restrictions, however suggesting increased border screening, testing, rapid response and preparedness.
Reduce Panic
Look for official sources such as Nigeria CDC, Federal Ministry of Health, WHO, Africa CDC and credible sources with clear references.
Check the date. Figures can change rapidly so please don’t refer to old posts or screenshot without dates.
Remember the difference between confirmed and suspected. Just because they are being tested/monitored does not mean they have Ebola.
Don’t post rumours of deaths, lockdowns, travel bans or local outbreaks.
Listen to health officials. If you have a fever or any concerning symptoms following potential exposure please contact health authorities or your healthcare provider. Don’t travel to a healthcare facility. They will be able to put infection control measures in place.
Avoid contact with body fluids from someone who is ill. Don’t touch the body of someone who is suspected/confirmed to have died from Ebola.
Those living in Port Harcourt and others in Nigeria should rest assured that currently we have an imported case with active containment measures. We should carry on with our usual activities but keep up to date with official health updates and basic hygiene measures.