The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has clarified that the two recently suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja have tested negative for both Ebola and Marburg viruses.
In a statement released on Friday, the NCDC explained that the suspected cases involved a traveler who, after returning from Kigali, reported feeling unwell and immediately presented at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja. The agency said the traveler’s prompt action, along with the swift response of the clinician and hospital team, enabled the public health system to act quickly and minimize risk to the general public.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, stated that the agency has already carried out a dynamic risk assessment in light of recent Ebola outbreaks in other countries and has put proactive measures in place across Nigeria.
According to him, “We have activated multi-disciplinary collaboration with federal and state health authorities, strengthening surveillance at points of entry, placed isolation/treatment facilities on alert, and prepositioning critical infection-prevention and related case management supplies.”
He further assured that the NCDC national reference laboratories are on standby to provide rapid testing, while public health teams are ready to conduct contact tracing if necessary.
He added that beyond immediate response efforts, the NCDC is working with state governments and partners to boost preparedness across all 36 states and the FCT. This includes upgrading isolation facilities, reinforcing infection-prevention training for healthcare workers, conducting simulation exercises, and ensuring a clear process for accessing vaccines and therapeutics if required.
Dr. Idris urged state governments and health ministries to continue supporting disease-surveillance officers, keep isolation centers functional, and provide resources for swift response.
He also called on healthcare workers in both public and private sectors to maintain a high level of vigilance, follow strict infection-prevention measures, and report any unusual cases promptly through the established IDSR channels.
He stressed that private hospitals have a crucial role in early detection and must be fully integrated into national surveillance and preparedness systems.
The NCDC Director General commended the clinicians and staff at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, for their quick action and immediate reporting, which triggered a rapid and coordinated public health response.
