The Federal Government has confirmed an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), identifying 44 close contacts as health authorities intensify surveillance and containment measures to prevent further transmission.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following laboratory confirmation of the infection.
According to the minister, the patient is a woman who recently travelled to Uganda in East Africa and returned to Nigeria with symptoms on September 7.
Her condition reportedly deteriorated four days later, prompting further medical attention and tests that confirmed the infection.
A government statement said the woman was admitted to a private hospital, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was established.
“She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care,” the statement said.
Pate said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 people identified for follow-up. Surveillance has also been strengthened at Nigeria’s entry points to help detect and respond to any potential spread of the virus.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is coordinating the response with the FCT Health Secretariat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners.
The minister urged public and private healthcare facilities to remain vigilant and ensure that health workers maintain a high index of suspicion for possible Ebola infections, particularly among patients presenting with compatible symptoms and relevant travel histories.
He also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, maintain good hygiene and cooperate with public health officials.
Symptoms requiring medical attention include fever, weakness, headache and diarrhoea, although these symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses.
According to Channels TV, Pate assured the public that the situation was being managed and promised timely, transparent updates as containment efforts continued.
He added that Nigeria was drawing on its experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak, alongside public health systems developed over the years, to strengthen its preparedness and response.
