Ebola: NCDC Warns Against Bitter Kola, Salt Water Remedies

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

In a public health advisory titled “Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Myths vs Facts,” the agency cautioned that false claims and homemade remedies could worsen panic and undermine public health response efforts amid renewed Ebola concerns in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

The advisory was issued following the spread of misinformation online after recent Ebola cases were reported in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

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

Responding to social media claims that substances such as bitter kola, salt water and herbs could prevent or cure Ebola, the agency stressed that no scientific evidence supports such remedies.

“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 also warned Nigerians against spreading unverified health information, noting that misinformation could create confusion and weaken public trust during disease outbreaks.

It urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, insisting that public awareness, preparedness and responsible behaviour remain essential despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in the country.

The agency’s Director-General, Jide Idris, said Nigeria faces a high risk of Ebola importation because of population movement and the difficulty of detecting symptoms in the early stages.