Ebola outbreak: Six dangerous myths Nigerians must avoid

Following Nigeria’s confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja, health experts have warned against misinformation that could fuel panic and encourage dangerous practices.

According to TheCable Fact Check, six misleading claims about the disease are circulating or could emerge as public concern grows.

The report identified the following misconceptions:

1. Ebola spreads through the air: The virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials, not ordinary airborne transmission.
2. Everyone aboard the patient’s flight is infected: Sharing a flight does not automatically mean infection.
3. Fever or headache confirms Ebola: Laboratory testing is necessary because symptoms resemble other illnesses.
4. Salt water, hot baths or herbs prevent Ebola: These methods lack scientific evidence and may cause harm.
5. Nigeria faces the same outbreak as in 2014: The current Bundibugyo strain differs from the Zaire strain detected previously.
6. Government deliberately concealed the outbreak: Delayed laboratory confirmation alone does not establish deliberate concealment.