Nigeria’s health authorities on Tuesday confirmed a case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, marking a significant public health alert as officials scramble to contain the infection.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate announced that laboratory tests had verified the infection in a woman who arrived in the country on an international flight from Uganda. The patient had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in the FCT for several days before the virus was identified.
“The woman has been isolated and is under medical observation,” Pate said, as health teams moved swiftly to prevent further transmission.
Public health officials have begun tracing 44 people who had contact with the patient. Those under monitoring include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals who may have been exposed during her journey, according to a public health alert circulated to state ministries of health.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are coordinating the response with other relevant agencies. Surveillance has been intensified, and support is being provided to the treating hospital to reinforce infection prevention and control measures.
Pate urged public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert. Healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly isolate suspected cases, strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols, and immediately report any suspected infections to public health authorities.
Symptoms to watch for include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly among those who may have been exposed. Members of the public experiencing such symptoms were told to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities before seeking care at a facility.
The World Health Organization notes that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, as well as contaminated objects and surfaces.
An emergency meeting involving commissioners of health from all 36 states was underway on Tuesday to discuss measures aimed at containing any potential spread of the virus.
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