Ebola Resurfaces

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The Legacy of Dr. Stella Adadevoh and the Fight Against Ebola

In July 2014, a man named Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian diplomat, arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, carrying more than just his luggage. He had recently been in contact with his sister, who had died from Ebola. Despite being aware of the risk, his employers suspended him and referred him to the Ministry of Health for quarantine. However, due to bureaucratic delays and negligence, he was cleared to travel. His destination was a meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lagos.

Upon arrival at the airport, Sawyer collapsed and was taken to First Consultant Hospital. The first doctor suspected malaria, but Dr. Stella Adadevoh, a consultant endocrinologist and physician, recognized the signs of a more serious illness. She suspected Ebola despite never having seen a case before. Her suspicion led to an urgent decision that would shape the course of the outbreak in Nigeria.

Sawyer denied any recent contact with sick individuals, but Dr. Adadevoh insisted on testing him. As investigations continued, pressure mounted from the Liberian government and embassy officials to release him for the ECOWAS conference. Threats of legal action and sanctions were made against the hospital and Dr. Adadevoh. Despite this, she stood firm, choosing to prioritize public health over individual wishes.

Her decision proved critical. Once confirmed as an Ebola case, emergency measures were quickly implemented, limiting the spread to only 20 confirmed and probable cases. By October 2014, the World Health Organization declared Nigeria Ebola-free. Tragically, Dr. Adadevoh herself succumbed to the virus, passing away on August 19, 2014.

Now, in September 2025, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory in response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This new outbreak, caused by the Zaire strain of the virus, began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman who died five days after being admitted to a hospital. Two healthcare workers who treated her also became infected and died. By September 15, 2025, there were 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths, including four healthcare workers.

The DRC has experienced 15 previous Ebola outbreaks, with the most significant occurring in 2019 and again in 2025. The virus was first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the DRC and Sudan. Fruit bats are considered the natural hosts, and humans can become infected through contact with animals such as bats, chimpanzees, antelope, or porcupines. The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with blood or body fluids, and symptoms can take between two to 21 days to appear.

Ebola spreads rapidly within families, healthcare facilities, and during funerals where bodies are washed or touched. During the 2014 epidemic, over 800 healthcare workers were infected, with two-thirds dying. Front-line staff often become infected through close contact with patients, needle stick injuries, or inadequate protective equipment.

This time, however, there is hope. A vaccine called Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) has shown 100% effectiveness in clinical trials when administered immediately after exposure. It was 95% effective if given 12 or more days after exposure and demonstrated 84% real-world effectiveness during the last DRC outbreak. The WHO is supporting vaccination efforts, sending 400 doses and planning more. Ring vaccination of contacts and frontline workers has already begun.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Vaccination campaigns require cold storage and safe transport to remote areas. Contact tracing is difficult in insecure regions, and infection prevention demands a constant supply of protective gear. In some settings, basic supplies like surgical gloves are lacking, raising concerns about safety.

In addition to vaccination, controlling outbreaks requires early isolation of suspected cases, contact tracing, and quarantining. Adequate hospital capacity is essential, as seen during the 2014 West African epidemic when field hospitals played a key role. Safer funeral practices, such as avoiding traditional rituals involving body contact, also help prevent transmission. Early supportive care, including rehydration and monoclonal antibody drugs, can save lives.

As of now, there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Nigeria. The NCDC, in collaboration with various agencies, continues to monitor the situation closely. Surveillance has been intensified at all points of entry, including airports, land borders, and seaports. Every inbound traveler from the DRC is thoroughly screened, and medical histories are collected through mandatory forms.

Dr. Stella Adadevoh’s actions in 2014 saved countless lives and set a precedent for public health leadership. With the availability of a vaccine and improved preparedness, Nigeria is better equipped to respond to future outbreaks. The legacy of Dr. Adadevoh serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, integrity, and dedication in the face of crisis.