The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that two suspected Ebola cases in Adamawa State tested negative after two rounds of laboratory testing.
The agency also said Nigeria currently has no confirmed Ebola case following the evacuation of the previously infected patient to Switzerland for further treatment after her condition improved.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday night, explaining that the two individuals were isolated after presenting symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease in Yola, Adamawa State.
According to Idris, the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre received a report about the suspected cases in the early hours of October 30. The report prompted investigations and the activation of appropriate public health measures.
He said the NCDC worked with the Adamawa State Government, through its Ministry of Health and Human Services, to investigate the cases and provide technical support. Idris also commended the state’s Commissioner for Health and his team for their response.
The NCDC boss urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information, advising the public to rely on official government and public health channels for updates. He also encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly after possible exposure, to seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel or contact history.
Idris warned against self-medication and stressed the importance of prompt identification, proper clinical care and infection prevention measures. He added that the NCDC, Adamawa State Government and other stakeholders would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as verified information became available.
