By Bello Wakili
The Federal Government has activated emergency public health measures following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement, saying the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was receiving medical care in isolation.
Professor Pate said contact tracing had commenced, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring as part of efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
He said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and FCT health authorities were working together to contain the infection.
The Minister urged public and private healthcare facilities across the country to strengthen disease surveillance, promptly isolate suspected cases, and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
He explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or through contaminated materials.
Professor Pate advised Nigerians to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected cases, and promptly report possible exposure to public health authorities.
He also urged individuals contacted by public health teams during contact tracing to cooperate with the authorities. Those who develop symptoms should seek guidance from health officials before visiting a healthcare facility.
The Minister reassured Nigerians that the country had successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 and had relevant public health experience to manage the current case.
He called for calm, vigilance, and the sharing of verified information, stressing that early detection, prompt reporting, and public cooperation were essential to preventing further transmission.
The Federal Government said it would continue to provide updates through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC.
Members of the public can contact the NCDC toll-free call centre on 6232 for information or to report a suspected case.
