The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that a newly suspected Ebola case reported in Rivers State tested negative, as health authorities continue monitoring 53 contacts linked to the country’s confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said the confirmed patient remained in isolation and was receiving treatment, adding that no deaths had been recorded.
Idris said the 53 contacts comprised 44 people identified at a health facility and nine others traced during further investigations. They include household members, healthcare workers and personnel involved in collecting samples from the confirmed patient.
He explained that contact tracing was ongoing for 21 days, with health officials interviewing those identified to establish possible exposure and determine whether additional people required monitoring.
According to him, contacts without symptoms could be monitored at home, while anyone who developed symptoms would be promptly assessed and isolated where necessary.
The NCDC chief also disclosed that the government was considering weekly financial assistance of ₦100,000 for each of the 53 contacts to cushion the impact of isolation on their livelihoods. He said the proposal would require coordination with the FCT administration.
Idris added that the confirmed patient’s condition had improved, while tests on her husband returned negative. Investigations are continuing to establish the source of infection and trace her movements before diagnosis.
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He said Nigeria had identified about 12 laboratories capable of testing for Ebola, while additional diagnostic supplies and technical support were being provided. The country was also conducting genomic sequencing to establish the relationship between the detected virus and previously identified strains.
Idris noted that the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak had no approved vaccine, although vaccine candidates were undergoing clinical trials.
Meanwhile, Kebbi and Lagos states have strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent further transmission.
In Kebbi, the Ministry of Health has intensified traveller screening at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi and designated land border points in Bagudo, Kamba and Arewa local government areas. Personal protective equipment has also been supplied to general hospitals across the state.
In Lagos, the government said no suspected case had been detected in the state but had strengthened surveillance, passenger screening and coordination with airport authorities and Port Health Services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid self-medication and seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms develop following possible exposure.
Ebola symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected people showing symptoms or contaminated materials.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of suspected cases and rely on verified information from authorised health agencies.
The agency said its immediate priorities remained identifying contacts, protecting healthcare workers, providing appropriate care and preventing further transmission into the wider community.
