The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has debunked claims circulating on social media that bitter kola, salt water, herbal mixtures, and seasoning cubes can prevent or treat Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The agency warned Nigerians against relying on such unverified home remedies, stressing that there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness against Ebola infection or any stage of the disease.
According to the NCDC, misinformation tends to spread rapidly during disease outbreaks, often driven by fear and uncertainty. The agency noted that false claims about Ebola prevention can create a dangerous sense of security, causing individuals to ignore proven public health guidance and delay seeking medical attention. Health experts warned that such delays may worsen outcomes and increase the risk of transmission within communities, especially when infected persons are not identified and isolated early.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, which spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials of infected persons. Symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes internal or external bleeding. Health authorities emphasize that early detection, prompt treatment, and strict infection prevention measures remain the most effective ways to manage and control the disease.
The NCDC reiterated its call for Nigerians to rely only on verified health information from credible sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed claims circulating online. It added that public health safety depends on accurate information, especially during outbreaks, and urged citizens to disregard messages promoting bitter kola, salt water, or other unproven remedies as Ebola cures or preventive measures
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