It can begin like malaria or typhoid, but the consequences of overlooking possible Ebola exposure can be serious. Here are the symptoms Nigerians should watch for.
As Nigeria heightens surveillance following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja, health authorities are urging Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the early warning signs of the disease.
One of the greatest challenges with Ebola is that its initial symptoms can resemble those of common illnesses such as malaria and typhoid fever.
A person may initially experience fever, headache, body weakness or muscle pain, making it difficult to recognise the infection without considering recent travel or contact with an infected person.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), symptoms can develop between two and 21 days after exposure to the virus.
Here are 10 signs and warning indicators to watch for.
1. Sudden fever
A sudden onset of fever is one of the most important early warning signs.
An infected person may develop a high temperature, sometimes accompanied by chills and general discomfort.
However, fever alone does not mean someone has Ebola. Malaria and several other infections can produce similar symptoms.
The concern becomes greater when fever occurs after recent travel to an Ebola-affected area or contact with a suspected or confirmed patient.
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2. Severe headache
A persistent or intense headache may occur during the early stages of Ebola.
Unlike an ordinary headache caused by stress or tiredness, it may be accompanied by fever, weakness and other symptoms.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after possible Ebola exposure should contact health authorities promptly.
3. Unusual tiredness and extreme weakness
Ebola can cause significant fatigue and weakness.
An infected person may feel unusually exhausted, struggle to carry out normal activities or experience a sudden loss of energy.
When severe weakness develops alongside fever and a relevant exposure history, medical assessment is essential.
4. Muscle and joint pain
Body aches, muscle pain and joint discomfort are common early symptoms.
These may resemble the symptoms of malaria, influenza or other febrile illnesses.
Because the symptoms are not specific to Ebola, travel and contact history are particularly important in determining whether testing is needed.
5. Loss of appetite
An infected person may suddenly lose interest in food.
This can occur alongside nausea, fever, weakness and general discomfort.
Loss of appetite alone is not evidence of Ebola, but it should not be overlooked when accompanied by other symptoms after possible exposure.
6. Vomiting and nausea
Vomiting can develop as the illness progresses.
Repeated vomiting may cause dehydration and significant weakness.
Vomit from a person with symptomatic Ebola can also contain infectious virus, creating risks for caregivers who come into direct contact with it without proper protection.
7. Diarrhoea
Frequent or severe diarrhoea is another important warning sign.
It can cause rapid fluid loss and dehydration, making urgent medical attention necessary.
Family members should avoid unprotected contact with the patient’s stool, soiled clothing or bedding.
8. Stomach pain and difficulty swallowing
Some patients develop abdominal pain, discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
These symptoms may occur alongside vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.
The combination of gastrointestinal symptoms and a relevant exposure history should prompt immediate contact with public health authorities.
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9. Unexplained bleeding
Bleeding from the gums, nose or other parts of the body, as well as blood in vomit or stool, can occur in some Ebola patients.
However, not everyone with Ebola develops bleeding, and bleeding is not necessarily an early symptom.
Waiting for bleeding before seeking help can dangerously delay diagnosis and treatment.
Unexplained bleeding is a medical emergency and requires urgent assessment, regardless of its cause.
10. Breathing difficulties, confusion or worsening illness
Severe Ebola can lead to serious complications, including difficulty breathing, confusion and signs of shock.
These symptoms may indicate advanced illness requiring urgent hospital care.
Do not wait for a patient to become critically ill before contacting healthcare professionals.
How to know when Ebola should be suspected
The presence of one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean a person has Ebola.
What makes the symptoms especially concerning is a possible exposure within the preceding 21 days, such as contact with a person who has Ebola, exposure to their body fluids or recent travel to an affected area.
Ebola cannot be reliably diagnosed from symptoms alone. Laboratory testing and professional medical assessment are necessary.
What to do if you suspect Ebola
If you develop symptoms after possible exposure, avoid close physical contact with others and contact public health authorities immediately.
Do not visit multiple hospitals or crowded clinics without first informing health officials of your symptoms and exposure history. Calling ahead allows healthcare workers to make safe arrangements for assessment and treatment.
Do not attempt to treat suspected Ebola with herbs, salt water or unverified remedies.
Early medical care, including appropriate fluids and supportive treatment, can improve the chances of survival.
The NCDC can be reached on its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance and reporting of suspected infections.
The most important message: Ebola does not always begin with bleeding. It may start with an ordinary-looking fever, headache or weakness. Recognising possible exposure and seeking help early can protect both the patient and the wider community.
