The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a health advisory to its citizens living in Nigeria following the Federal Government’s report of a case of Bundibugyo virus disease, a type of Ebola disease, in the country.
The mission disclosed this in a post on its official X account on Wednesday, noting that Nigerian health officials were conducting contact tracing following the reported case.
It added that the Nigerian government stated that the individual travelled by air from Uganda.
The US Mission urged travellers and members of the public to consult the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for information about Ebola and its travellers’ health guidance for Nigeria.
It also advised people who might have been exposed to the virus to seek medical guidance if they developed symptoms consistent with Ebola.
“If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance prior to presenting for care,” the advisory stated.
The mission further urged travellers to continue taking malaria prophylaxis as prescribed by their doctors, warning that symptoms of the disease could resemble those of Ebola.
“Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares,” it added.
The advisory also recommended that travellers monitor their health for 21 days after visiting an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak.
“Monitor your health for 21 days following travel to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak,” the mission said.
It urged travellers to consult the US Embassy’s Nigeria country page for general health information and refer to its list of medical providers when necessary.
The mission also advised travellers to check with their travel insurance providers about medical evacuation options should they fall ill while abroad.
“Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas,” the advisory stated.
The advisory comes as Nigerian health authorities conduct contact tracing and other public health measures following the reported case.
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