NCDC WARNS NIGERIANS AGAINST FAKE EBOLA REMEDIES

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has warned Nigerians against relying on unverified home remedies for Ebola Virus Disease, stressing that substances such as bitter kola, salt water, herbs and seasoning cubes cannot prevent or cure the deadly infection.

The agency issued the warning in a public advisory titled “Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Myths vs Facts,” amid growing concerns and online rumours linked to a regional Ebola outbreak.

According to the NCDC, Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, but misinformation surrounding fake cures could create panic and endanger lives.

“There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola Virus Disease,” the agency stated.

It added that early reporting, supportive medical care and strict infection prevention and control measures remain critical in managing the disease.

The agency specifically debunked widespread claims circulating on social media suggesting that drinking salt water, consuming bitter kola or using herbal mixtures could protect people from Ebola infection.

Public health experts have repeatedly warned that reliance on unproven remedies during disease outbreaks often delays proper treatment and increases the risk of transmission.

The NCDC also cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified health information online, noting that false claims could undermine public health response efforts.

“Sharing unverified information can create panic and confusion. Members of the public are advised to rely only on updates from official public health authorities and credible sources,” the advisory stated.

The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in the country.

“Although no case has been confirmed in Nigeria, outbreaks in the region require vigilance, preparedness and responsible public health behaviour to reduce the risk of importation and transmission,” it added.

The warning has revived memories of Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak, when rumours about salt-water baths and bitter kola consumption spread widely after the virus entered the country through an infected traveller from Liberia.

Health authorities at the time dismissed the claims after reports emerged that some Nigerians consumed excessive amounts of salt water in desperate attempts to avoid infection, resulting in health complications in several cases.

Nigeria was later praised internationally for successfully containing the 2014 outbreak through rapid isolation of suspected cases, aggressive contact tracing, public awareness campaigns and coordinated emergency response measures.

In its latest advisory, the NCDC urged Nigerians to prioritise preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of sick persons and promptly reporting unusual illnesses to health authorities.

The agency also reassured the public that surveillance and preparedness activities were ongoing across the country to prevent any possible outbreak.