The Big Story Breakdown | All You Need To Know About Ebola Virus

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:02]The WHO has now declared an international public health emergency following 88 deaths in DRC. Ebola is in the mouth of everyone now and Nigeria has activated a 21-day alert watch period for exposed contacts. Tonight, we look at what the virus is, what the country has learned, and exactly the things you need to know.

[00:00:23]Here's what we know. 88 deaths in DRC and that has triggered a lot here at home in Nigeria. There are 21-day watch period for exposed contacts. What are we doing differently, especially considering the fact that we have fought this before. Now, Ebola is not one virus. It's actually a family. The three outbreak causing strains are the Zaire strain, most commonly associated with the DRC, for which an approved vaccine exist. Now, there's the Sudan virus, which is the concerning Uganda, and for which no fully approved vaccine is yet available. Now, let's talk about the new kid on the block. They call it the Bundibugyo virus. Now, the average fatality rate across outbreaks is 50% ranging from 25 to as high as 90. The virus was first identified, as you are aware, in 1976 near the Ebola River, where it got its name in what is now the DRC, and its incubation period of 2 to 21 days is the basis for the 21-day monitoring standard used globally. All eyes on Ebola and the fact that Nigeria now needs to pay attention to what's happening on the continent. We've been here before, as you are aware.

[00:01:45]The world remembers how it responded on July 20, Sawyer had collapsed at the Lagos Airport and was taken to First Consultants Medical Center, where Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh quarantined him against his wishes. A decision that would prove critical because Sawyer died four days later, confirming Ebola in a city of about 21 million. Dr. Adadevoh herself died sadly from the virus on August 19th, having contracted it while treating him. Now, on October 20th, WHO declared Nigeria Ebola-free. 20 confirmed cases, eight deaths, 42 days with no new transmission. And the organization called it a spectacular success story. It remains one of the most studied containment responses in Africa public health history. And that's exactly why Nigeria needs to do more at this time. Let's talk about the symptoms and the things to do, understanding how it spreads and how it does not. So, and that's it very essential to contain panic alongside the virus. Sudden onset of fever, these are symptoms that you get in the first two to 10 days. Intense weakness and fatigue, muscle pain, severe headache, sore throat, and rest. And then later on in the cycle of the disease itself, there's vomiting and diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, internal and external bleeding.

[00:03:19]And this is this doesn't happen often.

[00:03:22]Organ failure and immune system collapse and what have you. So, sudden onset of fever, pay attention to it as well as sore throat. It's important that everyone consult their their doctors if they see any signs or any symptoms.