By Muhammad Amaan
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said the two recent suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in Abuja tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris disclosed this in a public health advisory issued on Friday, adding that samples are currently being tested for other possible causes, including Lassa fever and Dengue fever.
According to the agency, the most recent case involved a traveller who returned from Kigali, Rwanda and promptly reported to a hospital in Abuja after feeling unwell.
NCDC commended his responsible action, which, combined with the vigilance of clinicians at Nisa Premier Hospital, triggered a swift response that minimized potential risk to the public.
“We salute the traveller who responsibly sought care early, the private hospital that responded swiftly, and the health workers and institutions who collaborated with NCDC,” the agency stated.
The advisory highlighted that Nigeria’s preparedness system was promptly activated, with contributions from the FCT Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, Port Health Services, the National Reference Laboratory, airline and immigration partners, among others.
Proactive Measures in Place, NCDC disclosed that a dynamic risk assessment has been conducted following reports of Ebola in other countries.
Surveillance at points of entry has been strengthened, isolation facilities placed on alert, and critical infection-prevention supplies prepositioned nationwide.
The agency further noted that reference laboratories are on standby for rapid testing while public-health teams remain ready to conduct contact tracing if necessary.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen readiness across all 36 states and the FCT, including simulation exercises, upgrading of isolation facilities, and refresher infection-prevention training for health workers.
NCDC urged state governments to ensure functional isolation centres and support disease surveillance officers.
Healthcare workers, especially in private hospitals, were reminded to maintain strict infection-prevention measures and report unusual cases promptly through established surveillance channels.
Nigerians are advised to practice good hand hygiene, avoid contact with symptomatic individuals, minimize animal-to-human risks, and seek medical help immediately if they develop symptoms after traveling from affected countries.
The NCDC also cautioned against spreading unverified information, stressing that misinformation fuels fear and undermines response efforts.
For suspected cases, the public can reach the NCDC Connect Centre via the toll-free number 6232, WhatsApp (+234 708 711 0839), SMS (+234 809 955 5577), or email (info@ncdc.gov.ng).
“The vigilance of one clinician, the responsibility of one patient, and the cooperation of all stakeholders can protect millions,” the statement said.
