Health
FG Confirms Imported Ebola Case In FCT, Activates Response
By Folasade Akpan
The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and activated measures 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 Oct. 20.
Pate said the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was in isolation and receiving medical care.
He called the case “a contained case”, assuring Nigerians that the government was working with relevant authorities and partners to prevent further transmission.
The minister said the woman had received treatment at a private hospital in the FCT for several days before the infection was confirmed.
He said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified, while public health teams were identifying and monitoring others who might have been exposed.
They included 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.
Pate urged public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, maintain a high index of suspicion, and promptly identify and isolate suspected cases.
He also advised Nigerians to observe infection prevention and control measures and report suspected cases to public health authorities immediately.
The minister said Ebola could spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who was sick or had died from the disease, as well as contaminated materials.
He urged Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected cases and watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Pate advised people who might have been exposed to report to public health authorities immediately, even if they felt well.
He said anyone who developed symptoms should avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The minister urged people contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to provide the required 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.
Pate recalled that Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, adding that the country had the experience and public health systems needed to respond to the current case.
He, however, stressed that public cooperation, early detection and prompt reporting of suspected cases were essential to containing the infection.
“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. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru