Health workers directed to monitor fever, bleeding, and other symptoms; community reporting expanded

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated intensified surveillance for travellers arriving from countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks, directing health workers nationwide to monitor individuals who develop symptoms within 21 days of travel.

In updated guidelines issued Monday to health facilities and disease surveillance officers, NCDC said any person with sudden fever plus at least three symptoms associated with Ebola, and a travel history to affected countries within the last 21 days, should be treated as a suspected case and investigated immediately.

The directive comes as Nigeria remains on heightened alert over ongoing outbreaks in parts of Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where health authorities are battling periodic resurgences of the deadly virus.

According to NCDC, suspected cases include individuals with sudden onset of fever and three or more of the following: headache, lethargy, loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, or hiccups. Unexplained bleeding in recent travellers is flagged as a major warning sign requiring urgent public health attention.

The agency also said persons who had contact with a confirmed or probable Ebola patient in the previous 21 days and later develop fever, with or without other symptoms, must be investigated immediately.

The 21-day window aligns with Ebola’s known incubation period.

Beyond travel, NCDC said individuals exposed to wildlife or bushmeat within 21 days and who develop persistent fever unresponsive to routine treatment should also be regarded as suspected cases. Exposure to sick or dead animals and body fluids remains a recognised animal-to-human transmission route.

The agency expanded community-based surveillance and urged residents to report unusual illnesses and sudden unexplained deaths promptly. Under the framework, any persistent fever that fails to respond to treatment, bleeding symptoms, bloody diarrhoea, blood in urine, or sudden unexplained death should be reported immediately to health authorities.

“Any sudden or unexplained death should be considered a priority event for investigation,” the guidelines stated.

NCDC defined a probable case as any suspected case with an epidemiological link to a confirmed case where lab confirmation was not possible. Laboratory confirmation, the agency said, requires positive virus antigen detection through RT-PCR or IgM antibodies against Ebola.

Ebola Virus Disease is transmitted through direct contact with blood, body fluids, organs, or contaminated materials of infected persons. Symptoms start with fever, weakness, muscle pain, and headache before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. WHO puts case fatality rates between 25% and 90% depending on strain and care access.

Health authorities said early reporting, rapid investigation, and strict infection prevention remain critical to keeping Nigeria free of another Ebola outbreak.

_Lenacapavir launch offers two-dose-a-year option for HIV protection

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

Bishop Murray Medical Centre in Makurdi has flagged off the public rollout of injectable PrEP Lenacapavir, introducing a long-acting HIV prevention option that requires just two doses per year.

The launch, held in the hospital’s conference room, brought together health officials, clergy, and community stakeholders to mark what officials described as a major advancement in HIV prevention services in Benue State.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis designed to protect individuals at risk of HIV with biannual injections. Health experts say the option addresses adherence challenges faced by people who find daily oral tablets difficult to maintain.

Dr. John Ahom, who delivered the keynote lecture, explained how Lenacapavir works, its dosing schedule, eligibility criteria, and its potential to reduce barriers to consistent prevention.

“With Lenacapavir, we are moving closer to a future where HIV prevention fits into people’s lives, not the other way around,” Dr. Ahom said.

Rev. Fr. Paleve thanked the Ministry of Health, partners, and staff for their role in making the rollout possible, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to supporting efforts toward an HIV-free society.

The event drew senior figures from the Catholic Church and health sector, including Rev. Fr. Peter Paleve, Health Coordinator of Makurdi Diocese; Rev. Fr. Bernard Unande, Assistant Health Coordinator; Rev. Fr. Simon Friday Mfe, Chaplain of BMMC; Dr. Ngusuur Stella Haanongon, Clinical Mentor; Dr. Obatomi David, CHAI Consultant; and Ugbema Dooter Sonia, State PrEP Focal Person.

Hospital representatives said the introduction of injectable PrEP aligns with national and global targets to reduce new HIV infections by expanding prevention choices. Services at Bishop Murray Medical Centre will be provided free of charge, with confidentiality and dignity assured for eligible clients.

Officials encouraged members of the public at risk of HIV to visit the centre for counseling, screening, and enrollment into the PrEP program.

With the launch, Bishop Murray Medical Centre becomes one of the early adopters of Lenacapavir in Nigeria, positioning Benue State at the forefront of expanded HIV prevention options.

… Drug hailed as “relief” for at-risk clients

By Felix Umande from Makurdi

Bishop Murray Medical Centre, Makurdi on Monday took delivery of a consignment of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), in what health officials describe as a major boost to HIV prevention efforts in Benue State.

The Centre, however, says it will not commence rollout of the drug until it receives formal authorization from the Federal Government.

Unlike the current daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered as an injection once every six months, after initial starting doses. It is designed strictly for HIV-negative individuals assessed to be at substantial risk of contracting the virus.

Receiving the consignment, the Health Coordinator of the Centre, Rev. Fr. Peter Paleve, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the intervention, describing the drug as “a relief for many.”

“For many of our clients who struggle with daily medication, this long-acting option is a relief and will encourage more people to stay protected,” Fr. Paleve said.

Despite the arrival of the drug, management confirmed it has been directed by federal authorities to await further instructions before administering on clients.

“We have received the drugs, but we will not begin usage until we are officially authorized. We urge members of the public who may be eligible to remain patient while we await the go-ahead,” Fr. Paleve stated.

He assured that the Centre will comply fully with all protocols from the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).

What You Should Know About Lenacapavir PrEP:

Eligibility : Only persons who have tested HIV-negative and are clinically assessed as being at risk of HIV infection.
Dosage : Given as an injection once every six months after initial doses, making it one of the longest-acting PrEP options available.
Purpose: PrEP is strictly for prevention. It does not treat HIV and must not be used by persons who are HIV-positive.

Bishop Murray Medical Centre, a faith-based hospital under the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, is a key provider of HIV testing, counseling, and prevention services in Benue State.
The facility is to commence public sensitization and client enrollment immediately the Federal Government issues approval for rollout.