Nigerians have been advised to avoid kissing, hugging, handshakes and unnecessary physical contact following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
Professor Oladapo Ashiru, President of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, gave the warning on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television.
Ashiru explained that Ebola mainly spreads through direct contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person showing symptoms. He stressed that the virus does not spread through the air.
“Ebola is not airborne. But avoid kisses, hugs and handshakes,” Ashiru said.
He urged Nigerians to maintain physical distance, practise proper hygiene and follow infection prevention measures to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Ashiru also called for the immediate activation of high-alert protocols across the country. He said screening should be strengthened at airports, seaports and land borders, while health facilities must enforce strict infection control measures.
He further urged health workers to remain highly alert to possible Ebola cases and quickly isolate anyone suspected of being infected.
The warning follows the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Federal Ministry of Health said the female patient arrived in Nigeria from Uganda, developed symptoms on October 7 and tested positive for the virus on October 20.
The ministry also disclosed that 44 contacts linked to the case have been identified.
