The Nigerian Government has intensified efforts to contain Ebola virus disease following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, confirming that the case was recorded on October 20.
According to the statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
Adeniyi said the woman was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received medical care for several days before the infection was confirmed.
He added that she was currently in isolation and receiving treatment.
The spokesperson said the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), was working with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.
He said contact-tracing operations had begun, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring and appropriate public health follow-up.
According to him, response teams are working to identify, assess and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and individuals linked to the patient’s travel.
The government is also coordinating surveillance, laboratory testing and other critical response activities in line with established public health protocols.
“These measures are intended to facilitate the early identification of potential cases, strengthen infection prevention and control, and minimise the risk of further transmission,” the statement said.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians and other residents, urging the public to remain calm and avoid speculation and misinformation.
It advised Nigerians to comply with public health advisories issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other relevant health authorities.
The statement also urged members of the public to obtain information exclusively from verified government channels.
Adeniyi said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to liaise with relevant national institutions and other stakeholders, as necessary, to support the coordinated response.
He added that further updates would be communicated through official channels as verified information became available.
The government also thanked the public and relevant stakeholders for their cooperation as efforts continued to contain the infection and protect public health.
