The Federal Government has intensified public health response measures following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda on an international flight, was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja where she received treatment before laboratory tests confirmed she was infected with the Ebola virus. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said in a statement that the government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), is working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
According to the statement, contact tracing operations have begun, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring and public health follow-up. Response teams are also identifying and assessing people who may have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, caregivers, patients and individuals linked to the patient’s travel.
The government said surveillance, laboratory testing and other response activities are being coordinated in line with established public health protocols to facilitate early detection of potential cases, strengthen infection prevention and control measures, and minimise the risk of further spread.
Authorities urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid misinformation and speculation, and follow guidance issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other relevant health agencies.
The statement added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to liaise with national institutions and stakeholders in support of the government’s coordinated response, while further updates would be provided through official channels as verified information becomes available.
The Federal Government also expressed appreciation to the public and relevant stakeholders for their cooperation as efforts continue to contain the infection and protect public health.
