The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has completed the 21-day monitoring of all 62 contacts linked to the country's imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, with none developing the infection. According to Jide Idris, director-general of the NCDC, the last contact completed the monitoring period and was discharged on November 13. This development was announced at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
During the monitoring period, 13 of the 62 contacts reported fever or other non-specific symptoms, but all tested negative for the virus. Idris said the outcome demonstrated the importance of early recognition, prompt investigation, and community cooperation in containing infectious disease outbreaks. The NCDC director-general commended public health teams and healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for their vigilance, as well as the 62 contacts and their families for complying with public health advice.
The NCDC activated its emergency response mechanisms and commenced contact tracing, surveillance, laboratory testing, and other containment measures after confirming the infection. The agency eventually identified 62 contacts, including healthcare workers and other people who had been exposed to the index case. A 42-year-old woman, who had travelled from Uganda and arrived in Abuja on October 3, was identified as the index case.
The patient developed symptoms on October 7 and was admitted to a private health facility on October 11. The NCDC was notified on October 19, prompting an investigation and sample collection. The agency's national reference laboratory confirmed the infection the following day. The patient was subsequently evacuated to Switzerland on October 26 for further medical care, alongside her husband, who was identified as a close contact.
The patient had since recovered and was discharged from hospital on November 11. Idris cautioned that the completion of contact monitoring did not mean the outbreak had formally ended. Given the ongoing transmission of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria remains vigilant and at high alert.
The NCDC director-general urged Nigerians to remain vigilant as travel and social gatherings increase nationwide ahead of December. He advised members of the public and travellers to remain calm but seek medical attention immediately if they feel unwell, while disclosing their recent travel history to healthcare providers. Idris also warned against unprotected contact with the blood or other body fluids of anyone exhibiting symptoms.
Idris urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from the agency's official communication channels. The NCDC's National Emergency Operations Centre remains activated at level 3 to protect the health of all Nigerians. The agency's efforts have been crucial in preventing the spread of the disease, and continued cooperation from the public is essential in maintaining this progress.
Key points
- All 62 Ebola contacts in Nigeria test negative after 21-day monitoring period.
- NCDC completes monitoring period with no reported infections or transmissions.
- Nigeria remains vigilant and at high alert due to ongoing Ebola transmission in DRC.
