Stay Safe: NCDC Monitoring 53 Contacts Over Confirmed Ebola Case

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it is monitoring 53 primary contacts linked to a confirmed case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed that 44 of the contacts were associated with the health facility where the patient was treated, while nine others were identified outside the facility.

The confirmed case was reported in the FCT on October 20, involving a woman who had travelled to Nigeria from Uganda. According to the report, the patient developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention on October 11.

The nine additional primary contacts include three members of the patient’s household and individuals who attended to her during an earlier emergency room visit.

The NCDC said contact tracing was ongoing, with efforts extending to secondary contacts and healthcare workers involved in collecting samples from the patient.

Idris explained that the agency was strengthening infection prevention and control measures while providing training and support to improve preparedness and response capacity at the state and local government levels.

He said contacts who remain symptom-free are being monitored, including through regular temperature checks, as health authorities work to prevent further transmission.

The NCDC identified the virus responsible for the case as the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus that causes Bundibugyo virus disease.

The Federal Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidance in response to the confirmed case.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of isolating suspected cases, observing infection prevention and control protocols, and promptly reporting symptoms or suspected infections to the appropriate health authorities.

The NCDC said surveillance and contact-tracing activities were continuing as part of efforts to contain the situation and prevent further spread of the disease.