…Victim Arrived From Uganda, Isolated In Private Hospital In Abuja
…NCDC, Health Authorities Intensify Surveillance, Urge Calm
The Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and identified 44 close contacts of the infected woman as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further transmission.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Tuesday following laboratory confirmation of the case.
According to the minister, the woman recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda and was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while public health teams have commenced contact tracing to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The government said the 44 contacts identified so far include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Efforts are also ongoing to identify additional people who may have come into contact with the patient.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are coordinating the response alongside other relevant authorities.
Surveillance has been intensified, while the hospital where the woman was treated is receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The Federal Government has also directed public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert and promptly identify, isolate and report suspected cases.
Healthcare workers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, observe strict infection prevention and control protocols, and immediately notify public health authorities of suspected infections.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm and observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water and avoiding direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Symptoms to watch for include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly among people who may have been exposed to the infection.
Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure has been advised to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government also urged people contacted by public health teams, including potentially exposed airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and comply with official instructions.
According to the World Health Organisation, Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people, as well as contaminated objects and surfaces. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days.
Nigeria had earlier strengthened its Ebola preparedness measures following reports of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and an imported case in Kenya.
The NCDC had warned in an October 6 advisory about the risk of international transmission through travel and population movement.
Nigeria previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 through case identification, isolation, contact tracing and coordinated public health interventions.
The Federal Government said investigations and containment measures were ongoing, adding that further updates would be provided through the relevant health authorities.
Members of the public can contact the NCDC’s toll-free line, 6232, for information or to report suspected cases.
