Two Suspected Ebola Cases Reported in Nigeria’s North-East Region

Two suspected cases of Ebola have been reported in Nigeria’s North-East. Both individuals are currently isolated while laboratory tests are being conducted. This comes after the country confirmed its first Ebola case in over ten years.

On Saturday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced that they are identifying and listing contacts of these individuals. It is important to note that being classified as suspected cases does not mean they have tested positive for the virus.

The new cases follow the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20. This initial case involved a 42-year-old woman who arrived in Nigeria from Uganda on October 3. She began showing symptoms on October 7 and sought medical help before the NCDC was alerted.

Laboratory tests later confirmed that she was infected with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. In response, the Federal Government activated public health measures, including tracing individuals who may have come into contact with her.

Initially, 44 close contacts were identified, a number that later increased to 54 as more information was gathered. The woman was eventually evacuated to Switzerland for treatment, but health officials warned that this does not eliminate the risk of further spread.

In another related case, a suspected Ebola case reported in Rivers State tested negative for the virus. The NCDC confirmed this negative result on October 23.

The NCDC is urging the public to practice good hygiene, maintain sanitation, and follow health guidelines. They also advise avoiding direct contact with the blood and body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and cooperating with health officials in contact tracing efforts.