Rukayat Aliu
The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with 44 contacts identified as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further transmission.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed the development at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, saying laboratory tests had confirmed the infection.
According to the government, the case involves a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda, in East Africa.
The woman reportedly developed symptoms after arriving in Nigeria on September 7, with her condition worsening four days later. She was subsequently admitted to a private hospital, where she received treatment for several days before laboratory tests confirmed Ebola virus disease.
A government statement said the patient was currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
“The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital… where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed,” the statement said.
It added, “She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.”
Pate said contact-tracing activities had commenced, with 44 contacts identified for follow-up as authorities worked to establish the extent of possible exposure.
The government is collaborating with the FCT Health Services Secretariat, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health partners to contain the infection.
Surveillance has also been strengthened at Nigeria’s entry points, while healthcare facilities have been urged to remain alert for suspected cases.
The minister called on public and private hospitals to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel histories, and observe strict infection prevention and control procedures.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, practise good hygiene and cooperate with health officials.
Public urged to remain vigilant
Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as contaminated objects and materials.
Symptoms may include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea. However, these symptoms can also occur in other illnesses and do not, on their own, confirm Ebola infection.
The government advised anyone who suspects possible exposure to seek guidance from public health authorities and avoid direct contact with anyone suspected of being infected.
Pate said Nigeria was drawing on its experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the public health systems developed since then to manage the current case.
He assured Nigerians that the situation was being managed and pledged timely updates as containment efforts continued.
The confirmation comes amid reports of Ebola cases in parts of East and Central Africa, including Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, prompting heightened attention to the risk of cross-border transmission.
