By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria still has one confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), while genomic analysis indicates that the imported virus is closely related to a case identified in Kenya.
The government said contact tracing, isolation and laboratory testing were ongoing, alongside intensified surveillance and other response measures to prevent the virus from spreading into communities.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing on recent developments in Nigeria’s Ebola response, assuring Nigerians that the government was working to contain the outbreak.
Pate said the government was providing regular updates on the situation, adding that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, had activated relevant response measures through the incident management system.
He explained that contacts of the confirmed case were being monitored and isolated, while additional tests were being conducted, with some results returning negative and others still pending.
The minister also disclosed that further genomic analysis had provided new information about the imported virus.
According to him, the analysis, conducted with support from the NCDC’s public health laboratory infrastructure and the laboratory of Prof. Christian Happi at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, showed that the isolated virus appeared closely related to the virus identified in the index case in Kenya.
Pate, however, stressed that there was no evidence at the time linking the Nigerian case to travel by the index case in Kenya.
He said the findings could provide further insight into the possible transmission route as investigations progressed, noting that genomic information could improve understanding of the relationship between the viruses.
The minister said the government was also strengthening other aspects of the response, including disease detection, laboratory capacity, case management, public communication and infection prevention and control in health facilities.
He emphasised the need to protect healthcare workers through additional training and improved preparedness to identify suspected cases, manage patients safely and promptly notify public health authorities.
Pate urged hospitals across the country to sensitise their personnel to Ebola symptoms and ensure that suspected cases were reported to the appropriate public health authorities.
He also reminded Nigerians that Ebola was not transmitted through the airborne route but primarily through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.
The minister advised Nigerians to maintain proper hand hygiene, practise basic sanitation and follow preventive measures issued by public health authorities.
He cautioned against misinformation on social media, urging the public to rely on verified information from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pate reassured Nigerians that the country had qualified public health professionals, laboratories and institutional capacity to respond to the outbreak, adding that the government would continue working to prevent further transmission.
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He called on citizens to remain vigilant and calm, stressing that there was no need for panic but that everyone had a responsibility to observe public health guidance.
The minister added that the NCDC would begin issuing regular public updates and practical guidance on the outbreak, including information on preventive measures and the responsibilities of individuals and communities.
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