The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that two suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) identified in Yola, Adamawa State, have tested negative following two rounds of laboratory testing. This was disclosed by Jide Idris, NCDC director-general, in a statement on Saturday. The report was received by the Adamawa Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in the early hours of October 30.
According to Mr. Idris, the two individuals were immediately isolated after showing symptoms suggestive of Ebola, and samples were collected for testing. The NCDC worked closely with the Adamawa Government to investigate the reported cases and initiate appropriate public health measures. The laboratory results from two rounds of testing confirmed that there were no cases of Ebola in Adamawa State.
The NCDC director-general commended the Adamawa commissioner for health and his team for their proactive response to the suspected cases. He assured that the NCDC would continue to provide technical support to strengthen the state's response operations. The NCDC also clarified that the previously confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory remained Nigeria's only laboratory-confirmed Ebola case.
Mr. Idris urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or speculation about the disease. He advised the public to rely on official government and public health communication channels for accurate information. The NCDC boss described Ebola as a serious infectious disease requiring prompt detection, appropriate clinical management, and effective infection prevention and control measures.
The NCDC director-general advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding to seek immediate medical attention. He stressed that people experiencing such symptoms, particularly after possible exposure, should inform healthcare workers about relevant travel or contact history.
Mr. Idris also cautioned against self-medication, urging individuals to follow professional medical advice and guidance from public health authorities. According to him, the NCDC, Adamawa government, and other relevant stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as verified information becomes available.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through early detection, evidence-based interventions, transparent communication, and coordinated national response efforts. The agency will continue to work with state governments and other stakeholders to strengthen public health response operations and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Key points
- The two suspected Ebola cases in Adamawa State tested negative following two rounds of laboratory testing.
- The NCDC will continue to provide technical support to strengthen the Adamawa state's response operations.
- The public is advised to rely on official government and public health communication channels for accurate information about Ebola.
