By Franca Ofili
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has identified and followed up 53 contacts linked to the confirmed case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this at a media conference on Sunday in Abuja.
Idris said that the 42-year-old female patient had improved remarkably and was receiving medical care under isolation.
“The development was also contained in NCDC’s Ebola Disease Situation Report dated Oct. 24, 2026.
“According to the report, the patient returned from Uganda through Addis Ababa on Oct. 3 and developed symptoms, including fever, diarrhoea, generalised body aches and sore throat on Oct. 7.
“She presented at a private health facility on Oct. 10 and was admitted to another private facility on Oct. 11,” he said.
Idris said the NCDC was notified of the case on Oct. 19, after which an investigation was conducted and samples collected.
According to him, laboratory confirmation was made on Oct. 20 by the NCDC National Reference Laboratory.
Also, that the report said the 53 contacts identified included healthcare workers, domestic staff and the patient’s spouse.
He added that contact tracing and monitoring were ongoing.
Idris said public health teams were working to identify people who might have been exposed to the confirmed case and monitor them for 21 days after their last possible exposure.
He urged Nigerians contacted by public health officials to cooperate fully and provide accurate information to support efforts to prevent further transmission.
“The report said the national Incident Management System had been activated at the highest level to coordinate the response.
“It added that diagnostic testing and laboratory surveillance were continuing, while genomic sequencing of the confirmed case had been completed by the NCDC National Reference Laboratory and the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases.
“The report also disclosed that a suspected case reported by Rivers State on Oct. 23 tested negative for Ebola disease, with the result communicated to the state,” he said.
On clinical management, Idris said the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital had undergone a needs assessment and optimisation exercise for readiness as an isolation and treatment centre.
“Assessments of infection prevention and control capacity has been conducted across states and healthcare facilities, while engagement with the facility managing the confirmed patient is ongoing.
“It has also strengthened its stockpile of personal protective equipment and other essential supplies, including the addition of 500 donated laboratory testing kits.
“Enhanced surveillance at the country’s points of entry is continuing, alongside public awareness activities and monitoring of rumours and misinformation,” he said.
Idris urged Nigerians to practise regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, promptly report possible exposure and cooperate with contact-tracing teams.
He advised anyone who developed symptoms after possible exposure to contact public health authorities and follow their instructions before visiting a healthcare facility.
The NCDC urged the public to remain calm, avoid stigmatising affected people and rely on verified information from official public health sources.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Akpan
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