Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has warned Nigerians against relying on bitter kola, salt water, herbs, seasoning cubes and other unverified substances as remedies for Ebola Virus Disease.
The agency gave the warning in a public health advisory issued amid renewed concerns over Ebola outbreaks in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the advisory titled “Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Myths vs Facts”, misinformation and false claims circulating online could worsen panic and undermine public health response efforts.
The NCDC noted that recent Ebola cases reported in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda had triggered the spread of misleading health information on social media.
Although no confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in Nigeria, the agency said the country remains on alert because of increased international travel and cross-border movement linked to affected regions.
Responding to claims suggesting that substances such as salt water, bitter kola and herbs could prevent or cure Ebola, the agency stressed that there was no scientific evidence supporting such remedies.
“There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola virus disease. Early reporting, supportive medical care, and strict infection prevention and control measures are critical. Avoid self-medication and seek care promptly if symptoms develop,” the advisory stated.
The NCDC also cautioned against the circulation of unverified health claims, warning that misinformation could create confusion and erode public trust during disease outbreaks.
“Sharing unverified information can create panic and confusion. Members of the public are advised to rely only on updates from official public health authorities and credible sources,” it added.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, noting that awareness, preparedness and responsible public health behaviour remain essential despite the absence of confirmed Ebola cases in the country.
Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, had earlier warned that Nigeria faces a high risk of Ebola exposure because of population movement and the difficulty of detecting symptoms during the early stages of the disease.
According to him, symptoms of Ebola may overlap with endemic illnesses such as malaria and Lassa fever, making early detection more challenging.
