Epidemiological Notes on Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria

Abstract

The recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in West Africa and the sensational news and report of confirmed cases in Nigeria sparked off considerable but justifiable concerns and political commitments, not only in the West African Sub-region but in other parts of the world. EVD is a rapidly fatal and highly contagious disease, killing more than 50% of its infected victims. The global implications of the disease, beyond the immediately affected geographical region, are enormous, especially on international trade, travels, health, sport, political gatherings and widespread stigmatization of individuals, countries and even the continents. At present, there is no licensed drug or vaccine to prevent or cure the disease. The constraint of rapid dissemination of vital information about the disease to rural and poorly accessible areas is a major impediment. Inadequate health facilities, deep rooted socio-cultural taboos, belief and practices collectively constitute serious stumbling block to controlling the disease. The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown. However, on the basis of available evidence, researchers believe that the virus is zoonotic (animal borne) with bat being the most suspected reservoir. The potential transmission of EVD is considerable and the task of controlling it is daunting.