The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a health advisory to American citizens in the country after Nigerian authorities confirmed a case of Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola.
In a statement published on its official X account on Wednesday, the mission said Nigerian health authorities were conducting contact tracing and other public health measures following the reported infection. It noted that the Nigerian government stated the infected individual had travelled by air from Uganda.
The mission urged American citizens and other travellers to consult the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on Ebola and health guidance for people travelling to Nigeria.
It also warned people who might have been exposed to the virus to seek medical guidance if they developed symptoms associated with the disease.
“If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance prior to presenting for care,” the mission stated.
Travellers were further advised to continue taking malaria prevention medication as prescribed, with the mission warning that malaria symptoms could resemble those of Ebola and trigger unnecessary alarm.
“Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares,” it added.
The advisory also recommended that travellers who had visited an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak monitor their health for 21 days after leaving the area.
“Monitor your health for 21 days following travel to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak,” the mission said.
American citizens in Nigeria were urged to consult the US Embassy’s Nigeria country page for general health information and its list of medical providers when necessary. Travellers were also encouraged to check with their travel insurance providers about medical evacuation arrangements in case they fell ill while abroad.
“Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas,” the advisory stated.
The development comes as Nigerian health authorities intensify surveillance, contact tracing and other response measures to prevent further transmission of the virus.
