Nigeria confirms Ebola case, traces 44 contacts in Abuja
Health authorities are actively tracing individuals who may have come into contact with a patient potentially exposed to the Ebola virus. According to Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the contact tracing effort includes healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, and travelers who were with the patient.
“Contact tracing has been conducted, and it’s underway as we speak, with 44 contacts already identified,” Ehanire said. He emphasized the need for individuals who have been contacted by public health officials, particularly passengers who may have been on the same flight as the patient, to provide accurate information and adhere to public health guidelines.
“Anyone contacted during this ongoing contact tracing period, including those who may have traveled with the individual, should supply the requested information and follow public health advice,” Ehanire added.
This development comes amid rising concerns about the potential spread of Ebola following recent cases reported in East Africa. On October 6, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced enhanced surveillance measures after Kenya confirmed an imported case of Ebola linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The NCDC has warned that international travel and population movement could elevate the risk of Ebola entering Nigeria. In response, the agency is increasing surveillance, laboratory testing, isolation and referral services, contact tracing, and infection prevention measures. It is also collaborating with state and international health authorities to enhance coordination.
Ebola is a severe viral disease primarily transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person who has displayed symptoms. It can also spread via contaminated materials. Symptoms typically manifest between two and 21 days post-exposure and may include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Health officials stress the importance of timely identification and monitoring of contacts, as individuals exposed to the virus may not exhibit symptoms immediately. It is essential to note that being identified as a contact does not indicate that a person has contracted the disease.
Ehanire affirmed that the government is intensifying surveillance efforts and supporting the private hospital where the woman initially received treatment to bolster infection prevention and control measures. He urged both public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain vigilant, isolate suspected cases promptly, and report them to public health authorities without delay.
The minister also appealed to the public to remain calm, practice regular handwashing, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, and refrain from spreading unverified information or stigmatizing individuals who may have been exposed.
Ehanire recalled Nigeria’s successful response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak and expressed confidence in the country’s public health capabilities and response systems. The Federal Government confirmed that investigations and contact tracing are ongoing, with additional information to be provided as it becomes available.
Members of the public can contact the NCDC’s toll-free number at 6232, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for information or to report a suspected case.
