Ebola: Nine fresh persons isolated as Number on watchlist hits 53

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is monitoring 53 primary contacts associated with the country's confirmed Ebola case, with investigations expanding to include additional individuals who may have been exposed at multiple locations. Director-General Dr Jide Idris revealed this during a press briefing, stating that 44 contacts were from the health facility where the patient received treatment, while nine others were identified outside the facility.

The additional contacts comprise three members of the patient's household and healthcare workers who attended to her at an emergency room she visited prior to her confirmed infection at the treatment facility. Idris explained that the NCDC is extending its contact-tracing efforts beyond direct contact with the patient to identify others who might have been exposed through the initial group.

As of now, 53 primary contacts have been identified, marking an increase from the initial 44 contacts announced by the Federal Government following the Ebola case confirmation in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20. The patient, a woman who recently traveled from Uganda, exhibited symptoms on October 7 and sought medical attention on October 11 before confirmation of her infection.

Ongoing investigations aim to establish the complete chain of possible exposure and ensure that all potentially exposed individuals are identified and placed under appropriate monitoring. The NCDC is working to strengthen infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, particularly targeting healthcare workers who may have been exposed to the patient during their interactions.

The agency's infection prevention and control teams routinely assess health facilities to identify areas requiring improvements in safety procedures. Additionally, the NCDC is prioritizing the strengthening of the capacity and technical capabilities of healthcare workers at the subnational level to ensure effective outbreak management and prevent further infections.