The Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola case in Abuja, raising concerns about the risk of further infections. Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts as efforts to contain the disease begin.
The patient, a woman who recently travelled from Uganda, is receiving treatment in isolation at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, announced the development on Tuesday.
He said public health teams had started tracing people who might have been exposed to the virus. According to the minister, the woman received treatment at the hospital for several days before laboratory tests confirmed the infection.
The 44 contacts identified so far include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people linked to her journey. Health officials are monitoring them to detect possible infections early and prevent further spread.
The government is also supporting the hospital to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
Meanwhile, surveillance has been increased, and health authorities are working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat.
“She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care,” the statement reads.
The minister urged public and private hospitals nationwide to remain alert for possible Ebola cases. He also asked healthcare workers to identify suspected infections quickly, isolate patients and report cases to public health authorities.
Pate urged Nigerians to stay calm and cooperate with health officials as investigations continue.
He recalled Nigeria’s successful response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, saying the country had experience and public health systems to manage the current situation.
“The federal government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public. Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely information,” he said.
He added that early detection and prompt reporting were important to stopping further transmission.
“We urge Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone’s cooperation are critical to preventing further spread.
“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.”
The latest Ebola case in Abuja follows earlier warnings about outbreaks in other countries. In May, the Federal Government said Nigeria had no confirmed Ebola cases but had activated precautionary measures.
In June, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) also said no infections had been confirmed.
NCDC Director-General Jide Idris previously reported that Nigeria was 59 percent prepared for a potential outbreak. Earlier in October, Kenyan authorities confirmed a case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.
Health authorities are continuing investigations in Abuja as contact tracing and other containment measures proceed.
