Nigeria confirms Ebola case, traces 44 contacts in Abuja

Health authorities are tracing people who may have come into contact with the patient during the period she could have exposed others to the virus.

Pate said the exercise covered healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people who travelled with the woman.

“Contact tracing has been conducted, and it’s underway as we speak, with 44 contacts already identified presently,” the minister said.

He called on anyone contacted by public health officials, particularly passengers who may have been on the same flight as the patient, to provide accurate information and follow the instructions given to them.

“Anyone contacted during the contact tracing period that we are in, including those who may have travelled with that individual, should provide necessary information requested and follow public health advice,” he said.

The development comes amid growing concern about the possible spread of Ebola across borders following recent cases reported in East Africa.

On October 6, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced increased surveillance after Kenya confirmed an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which was linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The NCDC warned that international travel and population movement could increase the risk of the disease entering Nigeria.

As part of its preparedness measures, the agency said it was strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory testing, isolation and referral services, contact tracing and infection prevention. It was also working with state and international health authorities to improve coordination.

Ebola is a serious viral disease that spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms. It can also spread through contaminated materials.

Symptoms usually develop between two and 21 days after exposure. They may include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Health officials say identifying and monitoring contacts is essential because people exposed to the virus may not develop symptoms immediately. Being identified as a contact does not mean a person has contracted the disease.

Pate said the government was stepping up surveillance and supporting the private hospital where the woman initially received treatment to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

He urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain alert, isolate suspected cases promptly and report them immediately to public health authorities.

The minister also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and refrain from sharing unverified information or stigmatising people who may have been exposed.

He recalled Nigeria’s successful response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, expressing confidence in the country’s public health expertise and response systems.

The Federal Government said investigations and contact tracing were ongoing, adding that further information would be provided as it became available.

Members of the public can call the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for information or to report a suspected case.