Ebola: Avoid kisses, hugs, handshakes, medical expert warns Nigerians

The President of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, has advised Nigerians to avoid kisses, hugs, handshakes and unnecessary physical contact following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.

Ashiru gave the warning during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, urging citizens to maintain physical distance and observe strict hygiene measures to reduce the risk of infection.

He explained that Ebola does not spread through the air but mainly through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms.

“Ebola does not spread through the air, but Nigerians should avoid kissing, hugging and shaking hands,” he said.

The medical expert also called for the immediate activation of heightened surveillance and emergency response measures across the country.

He urged authorities to strengthen screening at airports, seaports and land borders while enforcing strict infection prevention and control measures in health facilities.

Ashiru further advised healthcare workers to remain alert to possible Ebola infections and promptly isolate anyone suspected of having the disease.

The warning follows the Federal Ministry of Health’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja on Tuesday.

The ministry said the female patient arrived in Nigeria from Uganda, developed symptoms on October 7 and tested positive for the virus on October 20.

It added that health authorities had identified 44 contacts linked to the confirmed case as part of efforts to monitor possible transmission and contain the outbreak.