Ebola: US issues health advisory to citizens in Nigeria

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a health advisory to its citizens residing in Nigeria following the identification of a case of Bundibugyo virus, an Ebola-like disease, within the country. The advisory was published on the mission's official X account on Wednesday, reporting that Nigerian health authorities were currently conducting contact tracing in response to the case. According to the mission, the individual affected had traveled by air from Uganda.

The US Mission has urged travelers and the general public to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for comprehensive information on Ebola and health guidelines for travelers visiting Nigeria. Additionally, those who suspect they may have been exposed to the virus are advised to seek medical guidance should they start experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola.

The advisory emphasizes that if one is at risk for Ebola, they should immediately inform their healthcare provider of their symptoms to receive appropriate guidance before seeking treatment. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of travelers continuing their prescribed malaria prophylaxis, as the symptoms of malaria can closely resemble those of Ebola, potentially leading to avoidable health scares.

It is recommended that travelers monitor their health for a 21-day period following any visit to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak. They are also urged to check the US Embassy's Nigeria country page for general health information and consult the embassy's list of medical providers if necessary. Lastly, travelers are advised to verify their travel insurance policies for medical evacuation options in case of illness while abroad.