The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that two individuals suspected of having Ebola Virus Disease in Yola, Adamawa State, tested negative for the disease. The agency conducted two rounds of laboratory testing, and the results confirmed that neither individual had contracted Ebola. This development means that no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in Adamawa State.
According to NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the agency had been working closely with the Adamawa State Government to investigate the suspected cases and determine the cause of the individuals' illnesses. The Adamawa Public Health Emergency Operations Centre received the report on October 30, following the identification of two individuals who presented symptoms consistent with those associated with Ebola Virus Disease.
Health authorities immediately activated response measures, isolating both individuals to prevent any possible transmission while medical samples were collected for laboratory investigation. The NCDC worked with relevant health officials in the state to ensure that necessary public health procedures were followed, including investigations into the suspected infections and steps to establish whether the individuals had contracted the deadly viral disease.
Dr. Idris commended the state Commissioner for Health and other members of the health team for their prompt response after receiving information about the suspected infections. He also stated that the NCDC would continue providing technical assistance to the Adamawa Government to strengthen its public health response and ensure that any potential health threat was identified and addressed promptly.
The NCDC director-general clarified that the previously confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory remained Nigeria's only laboratory-confirmed case. He urged Nigerians not to panic over the development and cautioned against spreading unverified reports, rumours, and information capable of creating unnecessary fear among members of the public.
Dr. Idris stressed that Ebola remains a serious infectious disease that requires immediate attention whenever a suspected infection is identified. He listed some of the symptoms that members of the public should watch out for, including fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Unexplained bleeding is also among the symptoms associated with the disease.
The NCDC director-general advised anyone experiencing such symptoms to seek medical attention without delay, particularly if they had recently travelled to an area affected by Ebola or had contact with someone suspected of carrying the virus. He also urged individuals to provide healthcare workers with accurate information about their travel history and possible exposure to infected persons.
Key points
- The NCDC confirms that two suspected Ebola cases in Adamawa State tested negative for the disease.
- The agency continues to provide technical assistance to the Adamawa Government to strengthen its public health response.
- Nigerians are urged to depend on official communications from the NCDC and other recognised public health institutions for accurate information about the situation.
