The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that two suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Yola, Adamawa State, tested negative after laboratory investigation. The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, announced this in a statement on Saturday night, stating that the agency had worked closely with the Adamawa State Government to investigate the reported cases. The suspected cases were identified on October 30, and samples were collected for laboratory testing.
According to Dr. Idris, the two individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of Ebola were immediately isolated, and public health measures were activated. The Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre received the report in the early hours of October 30. The NCDC conducted two rounds of laboratory testing, which returned negative results for EVD. This development comes amid heightened public health concerns following the agency's earlier announcement of two suspected Ebola cases in Nigeria's North-East region.
The NCDC Director-General commended the Adamawa State Commissioner for Health and his team for their proactive response to the suspected cases. He assured that the agency would continue to provide technical support to strengthen the state's response operations. Dr. Idris emphasized that there was currently no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa State, adding that the index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory remained Nigeria's only confirmed case.
The NCDC did not disclose the identity of the second North-East state mentioned in its earlier alert. However, Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or speculation about the situation. He advised members of the public to rely on official government and public health communication channels for accurate information.
Dr. Idris reiterated that Ebola Virus Disease is a serious infectious disease requiring prompt identification, appropriate clinical management, and effective infection prevention and control measures. He advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding to seek immediate medical attention.
The NCDC Director-General also urged individuals to disclose relevant travel or contact history to healthcare workers and to avoid self-medication. He assured that the NCDC, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government and other relevant stakeholders, would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as verified information becomes available.
The latest development effectively rules out the two suspected cases in Adamawa, bringing relief to the state and the country. The NCDC's swift response and collaboration with the Adamawa State Government demonstrate the country's efforts to prevent and control infectious diseases.
Key points
- The NCDC has ruled out Ebola in two suspected cases in Adamawa State after laboratory tests returned negative results.
- The agency is working closely with the Adamawa State Government to investigate reported cases and provide technical support.
- There is currently no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa State, with the index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory remaining Nigeria's only confirmed case.
