Nigeria is reviewing its Ebola preparedness after Kenya confirmed an imported case of the Bundibugyo virus, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) mentioned.
The NCDC mentioned the case highlights the risk of “international importation” of the virus by way of journey and inhabitants motion, “including the possibility of the virus being imported into Nigeria.”
The company introduced this Tuesday night time in a press release signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris. It famous that “as of 6 October, there is no confirmed case of Ebola disease in Nigeria.”
The case makes Kenya the fourth nation to report a case linked to the present Bundibugyo virus outbreak, following the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and France.
Kenya confirms first case
PREMIUM TIMES reported on Tuesday that Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola attributable to the Bundibugyo virus.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, the affected person was a Kenyan citizen who had been residing within the DRC, the place the virus outbreak is ongoing.
The affected person travelled by street from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, earlier than flying to Nairobi, the place they have been remoted after creating signs. Samples examined optimistic for Bundibugyo virus at Kenya’s National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute.
Despite receiving supportive care, the affected person died on the night time of 5 October and was buried on Tuesday beneath Kenya’s protected and dignified burial protocol, in line with WHO.
Nigeria evaluations preparedness
The NCDC mentioned the event in Kenya has added a brand new regional dimension to the outbreak and underscores the likelihood of worldwide importation by way of journey and inhabitants motion.
It famous that for the reason that outbreak was first reported within the DRC, NCDC, working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Port Health Services, State governments, and different stakeholders, together with companions, has taken steps to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for Ebola.
“These efforts have focused on early detection, isolation and referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, risk communication and protection of healthcare workers,” it mentioned.
The NCDC mentioned Nigeria has carried out a nationwide Ebola preparedness tabletop simulation train to evaluate the nation’s readiness to answer a attainable case.
It added that it might proceed to observe developments in Kenya, the DRC and different affected nations and alter preparedness measures as obligatory.
DRC stays worst affected
The present outbreak was first reported within the DRC and has been linked to the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus.
As of 23 September, WHO mentioned the DRC had reported 7,890 confirmed instances, together with 3,799 deaths, giving a crude case fatality ratio of 48.1 per cent.
The outbreak has affected 63 well being zones throughout seven provinces, with WHO warning of elevated cross-border dangers.
Uganda’s newest Ebola outbreak resulted in August, whereas France reported a travel-related case in June.
READ ALSO: Kenya confirms first imported Ebola case linked to DRC outbreak
NCDC advises travellers, well being employees
The NCDC suggested individuals travelling from affected areas to observe their well being for 21 days after leaving the affected space.
“If symptoms develop, avoid unnecessary contact with others and immediately contact the appropriate public health authorities or seek care at a recognised health facility, clearly disclosing travel and possible exposure history,” it famous.
The company additionally suggested Nigerians to practise hand hygiene and keep away from contact with the physique fluids of sick or deceased individuals.
It urged well being employees to keep up a excessive index of suspicion when treating sufferers with appropriate signs and a historical past of journey to or publicity in an affected space inside the earlier 21 days.
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