NCDC Clears 62 Ebola Contacts After 21-Day Monitoring, Confirms Zero Transmission
NCDC Confirms Safety of 62 Individuals Monitored for Bundibugyo Virus in Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that all 62 individuals linked to an imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease, a strain of Ebola, have successfully completed the required 21-day contact monitoring period without any secondary infections.
Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC Director-General, shared this information in a statement on Friday, November 13. He described the development as a significant achievement for Nigeria’s response to the imported case, which was confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
Idris confirmed that the last contact was monitored and subsequently discharged on the day of the announcement, with no individuals among the 62 developing symptoms of the disease. He stated, “The 21-day monitoring period for contacts linked to the index case has been completed, and we are pleased to report that none of the contacts became ill, indicating no transmission from the index case.”
During the monitoring period, 13 contacts had reported symptoms such as fever, but all tested negative for Bundibugyo Virus Disease. Additionally, seven separate alerts from states including Adamawa, Rivers, Borno, Lagos, and Ekiti were investigated, all returning negative results.
Idris emphasized that the completion of the monitoring period should not be interpreted as the official end of the outbreak. He cautioned that Nigeria must meet specific public health requirements before making such a declaration and that vigilance remains essential, especially given ongoing cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Regarding the index patient, Idris noted that she was initially treated in Nigeria before being evacuated to Switzerland on October 26 for further care. Upon arrival in Switzerland, laboratory tests confirmed her continued infection with the virus. However, following effective treatment, she has since recovered, tested negative, and was discharged from the hospital.
The confirmed case was identified following alerts from healthcare workers through the NCDC’s event-based surveillance system. This prompt notification allowed the agency to collaborate with Federal Capital Territory health authorities to initiate investigations and implement a national response.
Under the guidance of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the National Emergency Operations Centre was activated, and an Incident Management System was established to coordinate response activities. The NCDC intensified contact tracing efforts across various sectors, including healthcare facilities and communities, while bolstering infection prevention and control measures.
Idris highlighted the importance of public communication, stating that addressing misinformation is crucial to maintaining trust and encouraging cooperation with health authorities. The NCDC remains operational at its highest response level for Ebola, Level 3, and will continue to enhance surveillance, investigate new alerts, and improve infection prevention measures in healthcare contexts.
Residents and international visitors are urged to promptly seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms, especially those with recent travel histories or potential exposure to infectious diseases. The NCDC cautions against assuming every fever is malaria and advises individuals to disclose their travel history when seeking care.
As the busy December season approaches, Idris called on event organizers to ensure adequate sanitation, safe drinking water, and medical assistance at gatherings, and urged healthcare professionals to maintain vigilance in monitoring for possible cases.
The NCDC reiterated the importance of public health measures at international ports of entry and reminded travelers to complete the Nigeria Health Declaration Form accurately. Idris concluded by affirming that while there is no immediate cause for panic, ongoing vigilance and cooperation with health authorities are paramount. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, health ministers, the response team in the Federal Capital Territory, healthcare workers, and all individuals involved in the response efforts.
