Nigeria has stepped up Ebola surveillance and contact tracing following confirmation of the Bundibugyo strain in Abuja, while Anambra says 33 of 40 persons monitored have been cleared.
The Federal Government and state governments have intensified surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported on Wednesday that the patient, identified by officials as a diplomat, had deteriorated into multi-organ failure. The patient’s name and nationality were not disclosed during the briefing.
Olajumoke Babatunde, the NCDC’s Director of Public Health Laboratory Service, disclosed the development during an emergency meeting in Abuja. She said molecular testing had confirmed the Bundibugyo strain.
“The patient’s condition has deteriorated. We did three levels of tests, but all were molecular. The strain was Bundibugyo,” she said.
However, a Reuters report published on October 22 described the patient’s clinical condition as improving, creating conflicting accounts of her status. Health authorities should provide a clear, updated medical briefing to resolve the discrepancy.
Nigeria Confirms Imported Ebola Case
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the infection on October 20 after laboratory tests identified the virus in a woman who had recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the patient developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11. Her infection was confirmed by laboratory testing on October 20.
The WHO said the patient was isolated and receiving medical care, while investigations continued to establish the likely source of infection and reconstruct her travel and exposure history.
The NCDC confirmed that the infection was caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which is also associated with the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person and contaminated materials. Health authorities have urged people to follow official public health guidance and avoid spreading unverified information.
44 Contacts Identified for Monitoring
The Federal Government said 44 contacts had been identified following the confirmed case. Those being monitored include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts who may have been exposed.
The NCDC has activated its incident management system and is coordinating response measures with the Federal Ministry of Health, the FCT Health Services Secretariat, the WHO and other partners.
Measures include contact tracing, enhanced surveillance, infection prevention and control at the health facility involved, and preparations to identify and manage any suspected additional cases. onitored because of possible exposure, and public health teams assess their health throughout the required follow-up period.
Anambra Clears 33 People, Monitors Seven Others
In Anambra State, the government said it had followed up 40 persons of interest referred through the national surveillance system as of October 20.
Commissioner for Health Afam Obidike said 33 people had completed their monitoring period and were cleared, while seven remained under active follow-up. The seven were reported to be stable at the time of the briefing.
The state government also said it had strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures at locations including the airport, markets, motor parks and other public spaces. It urged residents to cooperate with health authorities and avoid stigmatising people undergoing monitoring.
Obidike stressed that Anambra had no confirmed Ebola case at the time of the report. The seven people still being monitored should not be described as infected unless testing and health authorities establish that they have the disease.
Health Authorities Urge Vigilance, Not Panic
The WHO has cautioned that one confirmed imported case does not, by itself, mean Nigeria is experiencing an Ebola outbreak. It has urged the public to remain calm, follow verified updates and cooperate with health officials.
Residents should practise regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of sick people, and promptly report concerning symptoms or possible exposure to the appropriate health authorities.
Anyone who suspects exposure should contact health officials and disclose relevant travel or contact history. Calling ahead before visiting a health facility can help medical teams make appropriate arrangements.
Nigeria’s immediate priority is to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed, protect healthcare workers and prevent further transmission while investigations into the confirmed case continue.
