The Federal Government has activated emergency public health response measures following the confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assuring Nigerians that efforts are underway to prevent further transmission.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following laboratory confirmation of the infection on October 20.
According to the minister, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
Describing the infection as a “contained case,” Pate said the government was working closely with relevant health authorities and partners to contain the situation and prevent further spread of the virus.
The minister disclosed that the woman had initially been admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the Ebola infection was confirmed.
Following the confirmation, public health authorities immediately commenced contact tracing, identifying 44 close contacts who are being monitored as part of efforts to determine the extent of possible exposure.
The exercise covers healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts who may have come into contact with the infected woman.
“Surveillance has also been intensified, and the private hospital where the patient was treated is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures,” Pate said.
As part of the emergency response, the minister urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain on high alert and maintain a high index of suspicion for possible Ebola infections.
He called on medical personnel to promptly identify, isolate and report suspected cases, stressing that early detection and rapid intervention would be critical to preventing further transmission.
Pate also urged Nigerians to observe strict infection prevention and control measures and report suspected infections to the appropriate public health authorities without delay.
Explaining how the virus spreads, the minister said Ebola can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials.
He advised members of the public to practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
Government Lists Warning Signs
Pate identified fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea among the symptoms that could indicate Ebola infection, particularly in people who may have been exposed to the virus.
He urged anyone who believes they may have been exposed to report immediately to public health authorities, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
The minister further advised anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
He also appealed to individuals contacted during the tracing exercise, including relevant airline passengers, to cooperate with health officials, provide the necessary information and comply with public health instructions.
FG Warns Against Panic and Misinformation
The government cautioned against the spread of rumours, misinformation and stigmatisation, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.
Pate recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014, noting that the country had gained valuable experience and developed public health response capacity that could be deployed to manage the current situation.
He, however, emphasised that the success of the response would depend not only on government intervention but also on public cooperation, early detection and the prompt reporting of suspected cases.
The minister said the government, through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), would continue to provide updates on the situation.
He also announced that the NCDC’s toll-free call centre was available around the clock to provide information and receive reports of suspected cases.
“ NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232,” he said.
The Federal Government’s immediate priority remains containing the imported infection, monitoring identified contacts and preventing any further transmission within the country.
Nigerians have been urged to remain vigilant, follow official health guidance and report suspected cases promptly as the emergency response continues.
Discover more from PMN S.P.O.R.T.S - A PRIME MEDIA NETWORK BRAND
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
