Breaking: Nigeria Confirms Imported Ebola Case in FCT, Identifies 44 Contacts, Activates Emergency Response

The Nigerian government has confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Public health response measures were activated to prevent further spread. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the case at a media conference in Abuja after laboratory confirmation on October 20.

The patient, a woman who arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, is in isolation and receiving medical care. The case is described as "contained" by Pate. Contact tracing began, and 44 close contacts have been identified. Public health teams are monitoring potential exposure, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, and travel contacts.

Surveillance has intensified, with the private hospital where the patient was treated receiving support to enhance infection prevention and control measures. The government urges healthcare facilities to remain vigilant and the public to practice strict infection prevention and control measures. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. People exposed should report immediately, even if symptom-free, while those developing symptoms should avoid contact with others and seek guidance from public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility. Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014 and has the experience and public health systems to respond to the current case.

Cooperation from the public, early detection, and prompt reporting of suspected cases are crucial for containment. The Nigerian government will provide updates through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC, with the NCDC free call centre available 24/7 for information or to report suspected cases.