Ebola: Avoid Unnecessary Physical Contact, Academy of Medical Sciences Advises

Nigeria’s Academy of Medical Sciences urged people to avoid handshakes, hugs and other unnecessary physical contact after an Ebola case was confirmed in Abuja in a woman recently arrived from Uganda. It praised the patient’s prompt isolation, contact tracing and increased surveillance, and advised regular handwashing and avoiding bodily fluids and the bodies of people suspected of dying from Ebola. The Academy called for stronger screening at borders, activated isolation and treatment centres, and strict infection-control measures in health facilities. It stressed that Ebola is not airborne and cannot be transmitted before symptoms begin, and advised anyone exposed or symptomatic to contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility.