The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that two suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever recently recorded in Abuja tested negative for both Ebola and Marburg viruses.
According to the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, one of the cases involved a traveller who arrived from Kigali and developed symptoms shortly after landing in Abuja. The individual quickly sought medical attention, which allowed health authorities to activate the national response system without delay.
The NCDC commended the medical team at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja for their quick response, noting that their alertness helped trigger coordinated action across relevant health agencies. The Federal Capital Territory’s Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, Port Health Services, immigration officers, and laboratory experts were all involved in managing the suspected case.
Authorities explained that Nigeria has been on alert following fresh reports of Ebola in other countries. In response, the NCDC carried out a risk assessment and strengthened surveillance at airports and other points of entry. Isolation centres across the country have been placed on standby, and infection-prevention supplies are being distributed.
The NCDC said that its reference laboratories are ready to carry out rapid testing and that public health teams are prepared to conduct contact tracing if necessary. State governments have also been urged to support surveillance officers, maintain functional isolation facilities, and ensure resources are available for quick response.
Healthcare workers across the country have been reminded to maintain strict infection-control practices and report unusual cases immediately. Nigerians have also been advised to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid unnecessary contact with sick individuals, reduce risks of animal-to-human transmission, and seek medical care immediately if they develop symptoms, especially after travelling from affected countries.
Dr. Idris stated that the NCDC will continue working with partners and state authorities to strengthen readiness across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He assured Nigerians that the agency remains committed to safeguarding public health and preventing outbreaks.