The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it is tracking 53 contacts linked to Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent further transmission.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Sunday, October 25, during a press briefing on the country’s response to the outbreak.
He said public health teams were working to identify everyone who might have been exposed to the confirmed case, assess their level of exposure and monitor their health for 21 days from their last possible exposure.
The contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, household members and people with relevant travel-related exposure.
Idris explained that the number of contacts could change as investigations progressed, describing this as a normal part of the contact-tracing process.
NCDC Urges Contacts to Cooperate
The NCDC chief urged anyone contacted by public health officials to cooperate fully and provide accurate information about their movements, contacts and health status.
He stressed that being identified as a contact does not mean a person has Ebola, but allows health authorities to monitor their health and identify any possible infection early.
Idris said the national response was being coordinated through an Incident Management System and an Emergency Operations Centre, involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FCT health authorities, other relevant government agencies and technical partners.
He added that the response was focused on identifying and following up contacts, protecting healthcare workers, providing appropriate clinical care and preventing transmission into the wider community.
Hospitals Directed to Strengthen Infection Control
The NCDC Director-General called on public and private healthcare facilities across the country to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
He urged hospitals to maintain effective screening and triage procedures, ensure the availability and correct use of personal protective equipment, and promptly isolate and report suspected Ebola cases.
Healthcare workers were also advised to maintain standard precautions, including regular hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, injection safety and proper waste management.
Idris said the NCDC was working with FCT health authorities and the treating facility to strengthen clinical management, isolation readiness and healthcare worker protection.
Nigerians Urged to Remain Vigilant
The agency advised Nigerians to avoid direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and to report possible exposure promptly.
Anyone who develops symptoms following a possible exposure should contact public health authorities immediately and follow their instructions before visiting a healthcare facility.
Idris also warned against spreading unverified information, noting that misinformation could create fear, discourage people from reporting symptoms and undermine efforts to contain the disease.
He said the situation remained under active investigation and that response measures would be adjusted as new information became available.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain calm, cooperate with public health officials and rely on verified updates from authorised health authorities.