NCDC Identifies Two New Suspected Ebola Cases, 53 Contacts

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has identified two additional suspected cases of Ebola virus disease and 53 primary contacts as investigations into the potential spread of the disease continue.

The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday.

Idris said the development was part of ongoing surveillance efforts to identify possible infections, trace contacts and assess the risk of further transmission.

He, however, did not immediately provide details about the locations of the suspected cases, the symptoms of the individuals or the circumstances surrounding their suspected infections.

The latest development follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on Oct. 20.

The confirmed case involved a woman who reportedly travelled to Nigeria from Uganda and tested positive for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.

The patient was subsequently placed in isolation for treatment, while health authorities commenced contact tracing and other public health response measures.

Before the latest announcement, health authorities had identified 44 contacts linked to the confirmed case.

It was not immediately clear whether the additional 53 primary contacts were linked to the confirmed case or included people associated with the two newly suspected cases.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has directed healthcare facilities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected Ebola infections.

Ebola virus disease is a severe illness that can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, as well as contaminated objects and materials.

Health authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of early detection, isolation and contact tracing to prevent further transmission.

Members of the public have been advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with people suspected of having the disease and promptly seek medical attention if they develop symptoms after a relevant travel or exposure history.

The Federal Government had earlier reported that genetic analysis linked the virus identified in Nigeria to a strain detected in Kenya, while cautioning that the finding alone did not establish a direct transmission link between the cases.

As of the latest previously reported official update on Oct. 24, Nigeria had one confirmed Ebola case, with contacts under monitoring and some test results awaited.

The two additional suspected cases will require further investigation and laboratory testing before their status can be established.

The NCDC is expected to provide further updates as investigations progress.

The public has also been urged to follow official health advisories, avoid spreading unverified information and cooperate with health officials conducting contact tracing and other response activities.