RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has warned Nigerians against self-medication and concealing symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease following the confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Kaduna State Directorate of the agency issued the warning on Thursday, October 22, urging residents to remain vigilant, observe preventive measures and promptly report suspected infections to relevant health authorities.
The NOA State Director, Danjuma Makama, advised in a statement released through the agency’s Head of Communication and Media, Linda Michael.
Makama stressed that early detection, timely medical intervention and cooperation with public health officials were essential to preventing the spread of the disease.
He advised individuals experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola, particularly those with possible exposure to an infected person, to seek immediate medical guidance rather than attempt treatment without professional supervision.
The state director also warned against hiding suspected infections, explaining that such actions could delay treatment and expose other people to unnecessary risks.
He encouraged residents to contact the Kaduna State emergency disease surveillance lines on 08036045755 and 07031992126 for assistance and guidance.
Makama further urged members of the public to cooperate with health workers conducting disease surveillance, screening and contact tracing.
According to him, effective public health protection requires accurate information, responsible behaviour and collective participation in preventive efforts.
The warning follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20.
The World Health Organisation confirmed that the patient, a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria through Uganda, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention at a private healthcare facility in Abuja on October 11.
Laboratory testing subsequently confirmed the infection, prompting the activation of emergency response measures and contact tracing.
On Wednesday, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo directed aviation authorities to place 46 identified contacts of the patient on a 21-day no-fly list as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.
Health authorities have emphasised that being identified as a contact does not necessarily mean an individual has contracted the virus.
Ebola is a serious infectious disease transmitted primarily through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, or through contaminated materials.
Early symptoms may include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat, followed in some cases by vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
Health experts advise that suspected cases should be reported promptly because early medical care can improve survival and reduce the risk of transmission.
The NOA urged Nigerians to avoid misinformation, maintain appropriate hygiene practices and rely on official public health guidance.
Members of the public can also report suspected cases through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s toll-free line, 6232.
