The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has confirmed that two suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in Abuja have tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses.
In a public health advisory released on Friday, September 19, the agency disclosed that additional tests are underway to determine whether the cases may be linked to other haemorrhagic fevers such as Lassa fever or dengue fever.
The suspected cases had raised concerns in the capital following reports of possible viral haemorrhagic infections.
Ebola virus disease, formerly called Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever, is known for its high fatality rate of between 25 and 90 per cent.
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“The NCDC wishes to inform the public that two recent suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in Abuja both tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses. We are currently testing samples for other viral haemorrhagic fevers like Lassa fever and dengue fever,” the advisory stated.
One of the suspected cases involved a traveller who had returned from Kigali and sought medical attention shortly after experiencing symptoms.
The NCDC commended the individual for promptly reporting to health authorities.
“This responsible action is highly commendable and a good practice all Nigerians are urged to emulate; when you feel unwell, especially after travel, seek care early. Doing so protects you, your family, and your community,” the statement added.
The agency also praised medical staff at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja for their vigilance in detecting the case and initiating a rapid response.
It highlighted the role of the FCT Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, Port Health Services, and the National Reference Laboratory in coordinating efforts.
The NCDC assured Nigerians that precautionary measures have been reinforced nationwide following Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries.
These measures include enhanced screening at ports of entry and alerting isolation and treatment centres.
“We have activated multidisciplinary collaboration with federal and state health authorities, strengthened surveillance at points of entry, placed isolation and treatment facilities on alert, and prepositioned critical infection-prevention and case management supplies,” the advisory said.
The agency further noted that national reference laboratories remain on standby for rapid testing while contact tracing teams are prepared to respond should the need arise.
Collaboration with state governments and international partners is ongoing.
Nigerians were advised to uphold personal hygiene, avoid unnecessary contact with wild animals, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after travel.
Suspected cases can be reported through the NCDC Connect Centre via toll-free numbers, WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 48 confirmed and probable Ebola cases this year, with 31 fatalities reported.
