FG advised Nigerians to remain calm while observing preventive measures, including regular hand-washing and avoiding contact with anyone suspected of having Ebola.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola in Nigeria’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory testing.
This was revealed on Tuesday, 20 September, in a statement signed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
“A woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are working with other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread.
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Contact tracing has commenced, with 44 close contacts identified so far, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, and travel contacts.
Surveillance has also been intensified, while the hospital is receiving support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
The FG advised Nigerians to remain calm while observing preventive measures, including regular handwashing and avoiding contact with the blood or other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
The minister said symptoms to watch for include fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly among people who may have been exposed to the infection.
“Anyone who develops symptoms should avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility,” the statement advised.
The FG also urged people contacted by public health teams during the tracing exercise, including potentially exposed airline passengers, to provide the required information and comply with official guidance.
