NCDC identifies two suspected case of Ebola in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified two suspected cases of Ebola in the North-East region of Nigeria. However, it is important to note that these individuals have not yet tested positive for the disease; they are currently under isolation and undergoing laboratory tests. This development follows Nigeria's first confirmed Ebola case in over a decade, which was reported in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.

The initial case involved a 42-year-old woman who had traveled from Uganda via Addis Ababa to Nigeria, developing symptoms on October 7 and seeking treatment at a private health facility. Samples collected from her were later confirmed to carry the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus by the NCDC National Reference Laboratory on October 20.

Upon confirmation, the Federal Government activated its public health response. Health authorities began tracing potential exposures, including healthcare workers, household contacts, and individuals linked to the traveler's journey. Initially, 44 close contacts were identified, which later increased to 54 as investigations continued.

These contacts are currently under follow-up. The index patient was later medically evacuated from Abuja to Switzerland, following an improvement in her clinical condition, accompanied by her asymptomatic husband.

Health authorities emphasized that the evacuation does not imply an end to the risk of transmission. Since then, contact tracing and monitoring have intensified to identify any possible infections among those who may have been exposed. The newly identified suspected cases in the North-East are undergoing laboratory testing, with further updates expected as more verified information becomes available.

The NCDC urges Nigerians to maintain good hand hygiene, proper sanitation, and to follow guidance from public health authorities. The agency advises against direct contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected Ebola patients and encourages cooperation with health officials conducting contact tracing and monitoring. It is crucial to understand that being identified as a suspected case or contact does not confirm an infection; laboratory confirmation is necessary.

Nigeria's response has entailed intensified surveillance, laboratory testing, isolation measures, and contact monitoring to identify potential infections early and prevent further transmission.