NCDC: Our Agency Is Prepared for Marburg Virus, Looming Lassa Fever, Meningitis Seasons

Dr. Olajide Idris, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that the agency is well prepared to tackle the Marburg virus if it eventually finds its way into Nigeria.

He revealed this during a media briefing in Abuja and stated that his agency is fully prepared to fight other disease outbreaks such as Lassa fever and Meningitis, which according to him, are seasonal in nature.

The agency, he further said, has reinforced its strategy to prevent the spread of the Mpox which is he explained, is primarily dealing with the Clade IIB variant, which has been circulating in Nigeria; “however, we are also monitoring the situation in Cameroun where both Clade IB & IIB are reported, and heightening our surveillance for the Clade IB, a more severe strain currently circulating in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC, which has the potential for rapid spread through community transmission.

“Nigeria has continued to manage the outbreak with vigilance. As of October 13, 102 confirmed cases have been recorded across 26 states and the FCT, from 1,339 suspected cases. Encouragingly, there have been no recorded deaths, but we remain cautious. The observed steady rise on the number of reported cases in recent weeks can be attributed to enhanced surveillance and improved case detection across the country.”

Explaining further on the efforts to tackle the Marburg virus, the NCDC boss said: “The virus, which is highly infectious and similar to Ebola viral disease, following our expert risk assessment conducted, adjudged there is a potential for localized transmission particularly in among populations with high presence of bats and where bats are being used as delicacies, if the virus is imported into Nigeria, due to the volume of travel between the two countries.

“While there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg, the NCDC is prepared to respond. Working with our stakeholders across ministries departments and agencies of government, we have activated health declaration forms for incoming passengers especially from affected regions and are ready to isolate suspected cases immediately upon detection.

“Additionally, we have identified isolation centres and commenced the process of stockpiling the necessary medical supplies to handle potential cases.”

Dr. Idris, therefore, called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant, particularly those traveling to regions with reported Marburg cases. “Avoid contact with wild animals, especially fruit bats, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, or unexplained bleeding occur. The preventive measures adopted during Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, such as regular proper handwashing with soap and water under running water or use of alcohol based hand sanitizers is applicable for the prevention of Marburg viral disease.”

According to Dr. Jide, earlier in the year, the cholera cases were concentrated in southern states as the rains began there, but that there is a shift, with northern states now accounting for a significant portion of cases.

“The number of suspected cholera cases and deaths in 2024 has more than doubled, when compared to this time last year. These numbers reflect the severity of the outbreak and reinforce the need for continuous vigilance and action.

“It also underscores the developmental issues that should be addressed both at the national and subnational levels with improved commitment towards addressing challenges relating to inadequate access to clean water, open defaecation, poor environmental sanitation, food and personal hygiene.

“In response, the NCDC has deployed rapid response teams, including experts from our one health line ministries, to the affected northern states. These teams have been instrumental in coordinating with and supporting the local response by guiding interventions, and providing critical supplies, including medicines, water purification tablets, infection prevention and control (IPC) materials, and diagnostic tools,” he explained.

He, therefore, advocated for what he described as the improved commitment of state governments to timely reporting of these diseases of public health importance.

This, he said, “will help our timely intervention and contribute to effective and judicious use of our limited resources. Let us raise the bar of our commitment, intensify sustainable efforts across boards, ensure timely adherence to public health advisories, contribute to a well informed communities, and practice all preventive measures not only during outbreaks but even beyond.”