The Nigerian Government has intensified public health measures following the confirmation of an Ebola virus disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the case was confirmed on 20 October.
According to the statement, signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
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Adeniyi said the woman was subsequently admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received medical care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
He stated that the patient was currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
The spokesperson explained that the Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), was working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
Contacts Tracking
He disclosed that contact-tracing operations had begun, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring and appropriate public health follow-up.
According to him, response teams were working to identify, assess and monitor individuals who might have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, carers and people linked to the patient’s travel.
The government was also co-ordinating surveillance, laboratory testing and other essential response activities in line with established public health protocols.
“These measures are intended to facilitate the early identification of potential cases, strengthen infection prevention and control, and minimise the risk of further transmission,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians and other residents, urging the public to remain calm and avoid speculation and misinformation.
It advised Nigerians to adhere strictly to public health advisories issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other relevant health authorities.
The statement also urged members of the public to rely exclusively on verified information from official government channels.
Adeniyi said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to liaise with relevant national institutions and other stakeholders, as necessary, to support the government’s co-ordinated response to the public health situation.
He added that further updates would be issued through official channels as verified information became available.
The government also expressed appreciation to the public and relevant stakeholders for their co-operation as efforts continued to contain the infection and protect public health.
