Professor Oladapo Ashiru, Foundation President of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria, has urged Nigerians to avoid handshakes, hugs and other unnecessary physical contact following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
Ashiru, speaking on Arise News Television, explained that Ebola is not transmitted through the air like COVID-19. Instead, it spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected people who have developed symptoms.
He advised Nigerians to maintain good personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly and observe recommended safety measures to reduce the risk of infection.
The warning follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case involving a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda. Authorities have commenced contact tracing, identified 44 close contacts and placed the patient in isolation for treatment.
Health experts have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, avoid contact with potentially contaminated materials and report suspected symptoms or possible exposure to health authorities promptly.