“This Time, Call First”- Aproko Doctor Warns Nigerians Against Treating Every Fever As Malaria

Nigerian health communicator Aproko Doctor has advised Nigerians to remain calm and follow proper health guidelines following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja.

In a video shared on X on October 21, 2026, he explained how the virus spreads, outlined the symptoms people should watch out for, and offered practical steps to help prevent further transmission.

The confirmed case involves a woman who travelled from Uganda and reportedly began experiencing symptoms around October 7. She subsequently sought medical attention at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, where laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20.

The patient has since been isolated, while health authorities have identified 44 contacts who are currently under monitoring.

Addressing concerns surrounding the outbreak, Aproko Doctor explained that Ebola does not spread through the air and that infected individuals cannot transmit the virus before symptoms develop.

He noted that Nigerians who have not recently been in contact with someone who is sick do not need to panic, advising them to maintain proper hygiene by regularly washing their hands with soap and water.

However, he urged people who had travelled to Uganda, Kenya or the Democratic Republic of Congo within the previous three weeks to pay close attention to their health and watch out for possible symptoms.

According to him, anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting or diarrhoea should contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) before visiting a hospital or chemist.

He encouraged Nigerians to call the NCDC’s toll-free emergency line on 6232, which operates around the clock.

“Every fever is not malaria. This time, call first,” he said.

Aproko Doctor also warned Nigerians against having physical contact with anyone suspected of having Ebola or coming into contact with their bodily fluids.

He stressed that people should not touch or wash the bodies of individuals who may have died from the disease, noting the importance of allowing trained health professionals to handle such situations.

He further encouraged Nigerians to answer calls from the NCDC and cooperate with health officials who may contact them as part of efforts to identify and monitor people who could have been exposed to the virus.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s experience during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the health communicator highlighted the importance of contact tracing and isolating suspected cases early. He expressed confidence that these measures could once again help prevent the disease from spreading.

He also warned against misinformation and unverified remedies, recalling the salt-water myth that circulated during the 2014 outbreak and was linked to two deaths.

With fears surrounding the latest case, he urged Nigerians to avoid sharing unverified health claims and instead circulate reliable information, including his video, among their WhatsApp contacts.

The video has attracted reactions online, with some viewers welcoming his explanations and reassuring approach, while others expressed concern about the possibility of another outbreak.

Meanwhile, public health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of personal hygiene, vigilance and the prompt reporting of suspected cases. Nigerians have also been encouraged to avoid stigmatising individuals who may be suspected of having the infection and to rely on verified information from health officials.

One confirmed Ebola case in Abuja. She's isolated.It's not airborne, and nobody can give it to you before their symptoms start.Fever after travel or contact with someone sick? Skip the chemist. Call NCDC 6232 first.And abeg, no salt water.Share to save lives pic.twitter.com/C5XYYIvv5g