In 2014, Nigeria faced a significant public health challenge when the Ebola virus entered the country through a symptomatic Liberian‑American official, Patrick Sawyer, who collapsed in Lagos and was admitted to First Consultant Hospital, Obalende. Ebola virus disease is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, making it a severe threat, particularly in densely populated cities such as Lagos. Among the frontline health workers affected was Justina Obi Ejelonu, a Nigerian nurse who contracted the virus while attending to Sawyer and later died. Her death highlighted the risks faced by healthcare professionals and underscored the importance of effective epidemic response in Nigeria.
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Background
The 2014 Ebola epidemic was the largest outbreak in recorded history, primarily affecting Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with more than 27,000 suspected, probable, and confirmed cases, and over 11,000 deaths. The virus spreads through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected patients, and without swift containment measures, it can result in rapid community transmission.
Nigeria’s encounter with Ebola began when Patrick Sawyer arrived in Lagos on 20 July 2014, while already symptomatic. Sawyer’s admission to First Consultant Hospital prompted immediate attention from Nigerian health authorities, who, in coordination with international partners, initiated isolation, contact tracing, and community surveillance to prevent a broader outbreak. The city’s population density and its role as a regional travel hub made rapid containment essential.
Key Events and People
Nurse Justina Ejelonu
Justina Obi Ejelonu was a trained Nigerian nurse who had recently joined First Consultant Hospital, Lagos, when Patrick Sawyer was admitted. She was among the health workers who attended to him during his illness, and according to verified media reports, she subsequently developed Ebola virus disease. Ejelonu was isolated and received medical care, but she succumbed to the infection in August 2014. Her death was publicly confirmed by Nigerian authorities, marking her as one of the first Nigerian health workers to die from Ebola during the outbreak.
Although some secondary sources mention that she was pregnant at the time, and provide personal details about her infection and care, these accounts are not verified by official public health records. Therefore, only confirmed facts regarding her occupation, exposure to the virus, and death are presented here. Her fiancé was reportedly quarantined as a suspected contact, and he later tested free of the virus.
Other Health Workers
Justina Ejelonu was not the only health worker affected. Multiple staff involved in caring for Sawyer contracted Ebola, including Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, whose prompt actions and insistence on isolating Sawyer were instrumental in preventing the virus from spreading beyond Lagos. Dr Adadevoh also succumbed to the virus in August 2014, and her role, alongside the experiences of Ejelonu and others, exemplifies the bravery and dedication of Nigerian health professionals during the outbreak.
The outbreak ultimately resulted in approximately 20 confirmed cases and eight deaths in Nigeria. All known contacts were traced and monitored, and no further transmission occurred after the containment measures were implemented.
Containment and Public Health Response
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other partners, implemented a comprehensive public health response that included rigorous contact tracing, isolation of suspected and confirmed cases, and community education campaigns. These efforts successfully interrupted transmission, and by 20 October 2014, Nigeria was officially declared Ebola-free by WHO after two full incubation periods without new cases.
This rapid containment became a global example of effective epidemic management in a resource-limited setting. The dedication of frontline workers like Justina Ejelonu, who risked their lives to care for infected patients, was critical to this success.
Societal and Economic Impact
While the outbreak in Nigeria was limited in scope compared to other West African nations, it caused significant public concern. Schools and some businesses temporarily closed, and travel and economic activity were disrupted due to fear of contagion. The deaths of health workers highlighted vulnerabilities in protective measures and training for medical staff during the early stages of the outbreak.
The event prompted discussions on strengthening Nigeria’s health system, improving infection control protocols, and ensuring adequate training and protective equipment for healthcare personnel, lessons that continue to inform responses to emerging infectious diseases.
Legacy Today
Nigeria’s Ebola response is remembered as a model of rapid epidemic containment. The actions of healthcare workers like Justina Ejelonu and Dr Adadevoh remain emblematic of the courage required to confront deadly infectious diseases. Their sacrifices are commemorated in media retrospectives and serve as a lasting reminder of the human cost of frontline medical service during outbreaks.
The containment of Ebola in Nigeria strengthened public health infrastructure and surveillance capabilities, which proved valuable in managing subsequent epidemics such as Lassa fever and COVID-19. The legacy of 2014 underscores the importance of preparedness, training, and swift governmental action in mitigating the impact of highly infectious diseases.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria was a severe test of the nation’s public health capacity. Despite the potential for widespread transmission in Lagos, rapid action, coordinated contact tracing, and the dedication of health professionals ensured that the outbreak remained contained. Nurse Justina Ejelonu’s death was a tragic but critical part of this story, exemplifying the risks faced by medical personnel. Her contribution, alongside the broader public health response, remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s medical history.
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Author’s Note
Justina Ejelonu’s death, alongside Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola, highlights both human sacrifice and institutional resilience. Her story is a reminder of the courage of health workers and the critical importance of preparedness and rapid response in preventing epidemic spread.
References
- Another Nigerian nurse dies of Ebola, Daily Post Nigeria.
- THE FILE: This day last year, Sawyer brought Ebola to Nigeria, TheCable.
