The Federal Government has confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and commenced contact tracing to prevent further transmission. Health Minister Professor Ali Pate said the case involved a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda and was treated at a private hospital before the infection was confirmed.
The woman is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while public health teams have identified 44 contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. The government has intensified surveillance and urged health facilities to identify, isolate and promptly report suspected cases.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease. Infection can also occur through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces, as well as infected animals, including fruit bats and certain wild animals.
Nigerians are advised to avoid contact with the body fluids of people suspected or confirmed to have Ebola, maintain good hand hygiene and keep their surroundings clean. People should also avoid handling sick or dead wild animals and consuming their raw meat. Suspected and confirmed patients should be isolated in designated treatment facilities, while healthcare workers must follow infection prevention procedures and use appropriate protective equipment.
The WHO says symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after infection. Early signs include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, which may be followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Since these symptoms can resemble malaria and typhoid, anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should seek urgent medical attention and inform healthcare workers about the contact.
Contact tracing helps health authorities identify people who may have been exposed and monitor them for symptoms. The WHO recommends monitoring exposed contacts for 21 days, the maximum known incubation period. Nigerians contacted by public health teams should provide accurate information, follow medical advice and cooperate with monitoring efforts.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to remain calm and report suspected infections promptly. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has provided its toll-free call centre, 6232, for information and reports of suspected cases. The WHO says early supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of symptoms, can improve survival, making prompt reporting and medical attention essential.
