Nigeria has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, involving a woman who recently arrived from Uganda. Authorities have identified 44 contacts for monitoring as part of the public health response.

Ebola is a serious viral illness that can be life-threatening, but early diagnosis and appropriate medical care improve the chances of survival. Understanding its symptoms and transmission can help people take appropriate precautions without unnecessary panic.

The disease is caused by viruses belonging to the orthoebolavirus group. Humans can become infected through contact with infected wildlife, while transmission between people occurs through exposure to infectious blood or other body fluids. Scientists believe fruit bats may be natural hosts, although the animal reservoir has not been conclusively established. Contact with infected animals, including bats and non-human primates, can introduce the infection into human populations.

Symptoms generally appear between two and 21 days after infection. Early signs include sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and severe tiredness. Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and rash may follow. Severe illness can affect the kidneys and liver. Some patients experience bleeding, but this is not present in every case and should not be treated as a requirement for suspecting Ebola.

Early symptoms can resemble malaria and other infections. Symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis; medical assessment and laboratory testing are necessary. The virus spreads when infectious body fluids enter broken skin or the eyes, nose or mouth. Contaminated needles, bedding, clothing and medical equipment can also transmit infection. Healthcare workers and relatives providing care without appropriate protection face particular risks.

Direct contact with the remains of someone who has passed on from Ebola can also transmit the virus. Families should allow trained teams to carry out safe and dignified burials. People do not ordinarily transmit Ebola before symptoms develop. However, the virus can sometimes persist in certain body fluids after recovery, requiring specific medical guidance.

Anyone with possible exposure should contact health authorities promptly and follow instructions for monitoring their health for 21 days. If symptoms develop, they should call a healthcare facility before arriving and explain the possible exposure. Suspected Ebola should not be managed at home. Early care at a designated treatment centre, including rehydration and treatment of complications, can improve survival.

Preventive measures include regular handwashing, avoiding contact with potentially infectious body fluids and refraining from handling sick or dead wildlife. Healthcare workers must use appropriate protective equipment and infection-control procedures. Residents should follow official public health instructions, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and avoid circulating unverified claims.

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