NCDC warns against use of bitter kola, salt water for Ebola treatment

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has cautioned Nigerians against using bitter kola, salt water, herbs, seasoning cubes and other unverified substances as remedies for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

 

The warning was contained in a public health advisory titled “Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Myths vs Facts”, issued amid renewed concerns following reported Ebola cases in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

 

The agency said misinformation circulating on social media promoting home remedies could increase panic and undermine ongoing preparedness efforts.

 

Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, the NCDC said the country remains on high alert due to cross-border movement and international travel from affected regions.

 

“There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola virus disease. Early reporting, supportive medical care and strict infection prevention measures are critical,” the agency said.

 

The NCDC warned that unverified health claims could mislead the public and weaken response systems during outbreaks.

 

It urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, stressing the importance of accurate information, early detection and adherence to official health guidelines.

 

The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that Nigeria remains at risk of possible importation due to population mobility and the difficulty of detecting early symptoms of the disease.