Bundibugyo Ebola Has No Approved Vaccine or Specific Treatment—Virologists Urge

Nigerians to Embrace Hygiene Renowned virologists have urged Nigerians to strengthen preventive measures following the confirmation of an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that the strain has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. 

They called for early detection, prompt isolation, contact tracing, regular handwashing and protective equipment for healthcare workers. 

Former Nigerian Academy of Science President, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, urged the government to focus surveillance on areas with confirmed cases or possible exposures rather than impose nationwide restrictions. He stressed the need to protect frontline workers and urged Nigerians to take public health warnings seriously without panicking. 

Tomori said contact tracing was crucial to identifying exposed persons and determining possible transmission. 

Meanwhile, Prof. Sunday Omilabu, Director of the Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, said vaccines exist for the Zaire strain but not the Bundibugyo strain. 

He explained that patients were being treated based on their symptoms, including diarrhoea and sore throat, adding that early treatment could improve survival chances. 

Omilabu advised potentially exposed persons to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention promptly. He stressed that laboratory tests were necessary to confirm infections. 

He also urged Nigerians to wash their hands regularly after touching money, surfaces or returning from outdoors, warning that contaminated surfaces could spread infection. 

Omilabu expressed concern over the shortage of healthcare personnel and called for special allowances to encourage medical workers to serve at treatment and isolation centres. 

The World Health Organisation estimates Bundibugyo Ebola’s fatality rate at about 32.8 per cent.