Following recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the Academy of Medical Sciences, Nigeria, has called for urgent infection prevention and control upgrades across health facilities and stockpiling of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect frontline health workers and strengthen preparedness for possible importation.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of its Rapid Response Committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and Academy President Emeritus, Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, the body said regional mobility, trade and travel could facilitate cross-border transmission into Nigeria and stressed that every emerging infectious disease outbreak must be treated as an urgent national public health priority.

The Academy noted that Ebola Virus Disease, a severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic illness, has historically caused devastating outcomes in affected communities, adding that Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 outbreak remains a reference point in emergency response.

However, it warned that continued outbreaks across Africa underscore persistent regional vulnerability.

According to the Academy, the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths, while Uganda has reported two confirmed cases, including one death, heightening concerns over surveillance gaps and preparedness across the region.

The Academy explained that the current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and reiterated that transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, infected animals such as fruit bats and non-human primates, as well as unsafe burial practices.

Symptoms, it said, include sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

Against this backdrop, the Academy urged authorities to strengthen border surveillance at airports, seaports and land borders, including rapid screening of travellers from affected countries through temperature checks, exposure history assessments and digital traveller questionnaires linked to national surveillance systems.

The statement further called for the activation of emergency preparedness systems, including the National Ebola Incident Management System, alongside the establishment of isolation facilities at points of entry for temporary containment of suspected cases.

It also recommended expanded laboratory capacity, improved specimen handling protocols and faster diagnostic confirmation to ensure rapid response.

In addition, the Academy emphasised the need to strengthen healthcare facility readiness by establishing Ebola-specific clinical pathways, enforcing strict infection prevention and control compliance, conducting regular PPE training drills and ensuring adequate infection control infrastructure to prevent cross-contamination within hospitals.

On public communication, the Academy urged authorities to intensify risk communication campaigns in major Nigerian languages to counter misinformation, fear and stigma, while promoting accurate guidance through trusted community and religious leaders as well as local media platforms.

The Academy also called for enhanced disease surveillance systems, improved coordination among federal, state and local health authorities, and stronger regional collaboration with international bodies, including the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Among its immediate recommendations, it proposed the convening of a national Ebola preparedness task force within seven days, pre-positioning of infection prevention and control supplies for at least a six-week surge, expedited specimen transport and testing systems, and nationwide dissemination of updated case definitions and reporting protocols within 72 hours.

The Academy further advised all health facilities to remain on heightened alert and maintain strict observation and reporting mechanisms for suspected cases, while ensuring rapid isolation of patients presenting with compatible symptoms and relevant exposure history.

For the public, the Academy urged calm but vigilance, advising regular handwashing, avoidance of contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, refraining from bushmeat consumption from unknown sources and compliance with safe burial practices.

It also encouraged individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, unexplained bleeding, vomiting, diarrhoea or sudden weakness, especially after travel or exposure, to seek immediate medical attention.

The Academy stated that preparedness, strong border control measures, early detection, rapid response and public cooperation remain critical to preventing Ebola importation into Nigeria, reaffirming its readiness to support government and health institutions with scientific guidance and technical expertise.