FG Confirms Imported Ebola Case in Abuja, Tracks 44 Contacts

By Johnson Arua

The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and commenced contact tracing to prevent further transmission.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this at a media conference in Abuja on Tuesday, following laboratory confirmation of the infection on October 20.

Pate said the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

Describing the infection as “a contained case,” the minister assured Nigerians that the government was working with relevant authorities and partners to prevent further spread of the virus.

He explained that the woman had been admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.

According to him, contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far. Public health teams are also identifying and monitoring other potentially exposed persons, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

“Surveillance has also been intensified, and the private hospital where the patient was treated is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures,” he said.

The minister urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain vigilant, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, maintain strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected infections to public health authorities.

He explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease, as well as contact with contaminated materials.

Pate advised Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, and remain alert to symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.

He urged anyone who might have been exposed to report immediately, even if they felt well, while those who developed symptoms should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

The minister also appealed to individuals contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the necessary information and comply with public health advice.

He cautioned against rumours, misinformation and stigmatisation, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.

Recalling Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014, Pate said the country had the experience and public health systems needed to respond effectively to the current case.

He, however, stressed that public cooperation, early detection and prompt reporting of suspected infections remained crucial to preventing further transmission.

“The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC will continue to provide updates.

“NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232,” Pate added.