At least 80 people have died after a fresh Ebola outbreak hit three health zones — Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu — in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organisation said on Sunday.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also said it had stepped up surveillance across the country.
WHO warned the outbreak, Congo’s 17th since Ebola was first found there in 1976, could be far bigger because of the high positivity rate in early samples and the growing number of suspected cases.
The agency called the situation “extraordinary,” noting there are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain involved in the outbreak. Most past outbreaks in Congo were linked to the Zaire strain.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said he had asked for guidance on whether the outbreak should be declared a “public health emergency of continental security.”
Ebola spreads through contact with infected body fluids, contaminated materials, or infected dead bodies. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe bleeding.
NCDC Director General Jide Idris said Nigeria was monitoring the situation closely and working with Port Health Services and other agencies to strengthen preparedness.
“NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant stakeholders, including the Port Health Services, to ensure continued vigilance and preparedness within the public health system,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to stay calm, avoid misinformation and maintain good hygiene.
“Members of the public should remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation,” he added.
