The Federal Government has confirmed one imported case of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediately activated robust public health response measures to prevent domestic transmission.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following laboratory confirmation of the virus on October 20.
Contained Case and Contact Tracing
According to the minister, the index patient is a female traveler who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She is currently isolated and receiving specialized medical attention.
Prof. Pate reassured the public, describing the development as “a contained case” while detailing the rapid containment strategy underway in collaboration with health partners.
The patient had initially been admitted to a private medical facility in the FCT, where she was treated for several days prior to laboratory confirmation.
Public health teams have so far identified and placed 44 close contacts under strict monitoring, encompassing healthcare personnel, fellow patients, caregivers, and travel contacts from her flight.
“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,” Pate stated.
Alert Issued to Health Facilities Nationwide
The minister directed all public and private healthcare facilities across the country to maintain a high index of suspicion, remain on high alert, and promptly isolate any individual displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
He reminded the public that the Ebola virus transmits primarily through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person who is ill or deceased.
Key symptoms to watch for following possible exposure include sudden onset of fever, severe body weakness, intense headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Call for Calm and Public Cooperation
Reassuring citizens, Prof. Pate recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, emphasizing that the country possesses the public health architecture, expertise, and institutional memory necessary to manage the situation effectively.
He urged Nigerians to practice rigorous hand hygiene, avoid contact with suspected body fluids, and report suspected exposures immediately—even prior to the onset of symptoms.
“The Government of Nigeria, through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), will continue to provide regular updates,” the minister added, cautioning against panic, stigmatization, and the dissemination of unverified rumors.
Members of the public can report suspected cases or seek guidance via the NCDC 24/7 toll-free line at 6232.
