Nigeria has begun tracking people who may have been exposed to Ebola at a private hospital in Abuja after a woman who recently travelled from Uganda tested positive for the virus, with 44 close contacts identified for monitoring.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, October 22, saying the patient had received medical care at the facility for several days before her diagnosis was confirmed on October 20.
The woman is currently in isolation and receiving treatment, while public health teams work to identify and assess people who may have come into contact with her during her illness and travel.
The government said those being investigated include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people linked to the woman’s journey to Nigeria.
However, the authorities did not disclose how many of the 44 contacts were healthcare workers or patients at the hospital, and there was no indication that any of the identified contacts had tested positive.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the FCT Health Services Secretariat are coordinating the response, which includes contact tracing, laboratory testing and enhanced disease surveillance.
The measures are intended to identify possible infections early, strengthen infection prevention and control, and reduce the risk of further transmission.
Government steps up surveillance
In its statement, the Federal Government said response teams were working to identify, assess and monitor individuals who might have been exposed to the virus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid speculation and misinformation, and follow guidance issued by health authorities.
It also said the government would continue coordinating with relevant institutions and stakeholders as the response progresses.
The case was confirmed after the woman arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda and subsequently received treatment at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory.
The government has not disclosed further details about the patient’s travel itinerary or whether additional suspected cases have been identified.
Why contact tracing matters
Contact tracing is a central part of containing Ebola because the virus can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person after symptoms develop, as well as through contaminated materials.
Identifying potentially exposed people allows health officials to monitor their health, provide guidance and arrange prompt assessment if symptoms emerge.
The identification of 44 contacts does not mean that those individuals are infected. Their monitoring is a precautionary measure designed to detect possible transmission quickly.
The Federal Government said further updates would be released through official channels as verified information becomes available.
