Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention warns Nigerians against relying on unverified home remedies for Ebola Virus Disease, stressing that bitter kola, salt water, herbs and seasoning cubes cannot prevent or cure the infection
In a public advisory titled “Ebola Virus Disease: Myths vs Facts, on Tuesday” the agency says misinformation surrounding fake cures could trigger panic and endanger lives despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria.
“There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola Virus Disease,” the agency states.
“Early reporting, supportive medical care, and strict infection prevention and control measures are critical.”
The NCDC specifically debunks social media claims suggesting that drinking salt water, consuming bitter kola or using herbal mixtures can protect against Ebola infection.
Public health experts warn that dependence on unproven remedies during outbreaks often delays proper treatment and increases disease transmission risks.
The agency also cautions Nigerians against spreading unverified health information online, saying false claims could undermine public health response efforts.
“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,” the advisory adds.
The warning revives memories of Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak, when widespread rumours about salt-water baths and bitter kola consumption circulated after the virus entered the country through an infected traveller from Liberia.
Health authorities later dismiss the claims after reports emerge that excessive salt-water consumption caused medical complications for some Nigerians.
Nigeria eventually earns global praise for successfully containing the 2014 outbreak through rapid isolation, contact tracing, public awareness campaigns and coordinated emergency response measures.
The NCDC urges Nigerians to prioritise preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of infected persons and promptly reporting unusual illnesses to health authorities.
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