…the WHO official further revealed that this is the third Ebola outbreak to meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| The World Health Organization (WHO) has assured Nigerians that the risk of an Ebola outbreak in the country remains low despite ongoing concerns over the spread of the deadly virus in parts of Africa.
The Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, Chikwe Ihekweazu, made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday.
According to Ihekweazu, while the current Ebola outbreak is serious and requires international attention, Nigeria is not among the countries facing a high risk of infection.
“Uganda is the only country with confirmed Ebola cases outside the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nigeria’s risk is low,” he stated.
He explained that the outbreak has been designated a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), marking only the ninth time in history that such a declaration has been made by the WHO.
Ihekweazu noted that the outbreak has already spread beyond its initial epicentre and requires a coordinated global response to prevent further transmission.
“This Ebola outbreak is serious and requires an internationally coordinated response. It has already spread to other countries,” he said.
The WHO official further revealed that this is the third Ebola outbreak to meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with more than 300 confirmed cases reported across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral disease that affects humans and non-human primates. The virus causes viral haemorrhagic fever and can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
Health experts continue to urge vigilance, surveillance, and strict public health measures to prevent cross-border transmission and contain the outbreak.
