The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians there is no cause for alarm after two suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever were reported in Abuja.
In a statement on Wednesday, the agency confirmed that both patients tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses, while additional tests are ongoing for Lassa fever and dengue.
One of the cases involved a traveler who had recently returned from Kigali and promptly sought medical attention after developing symptoms. The NCDC commended the patient’s responsible action and praised the swift intervention of clinicians at Nisa Premier Hospital, the FCT Epidemiology Team, Port Health Services, and other partners for minimizing risks to the public.
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that the incident underscored the importance of vigilance within the health system. He revealed that the agency had conducted a dynamic risk assessment following Ebola reports in other countries and intensified nationwide preparedness through heightened surveillance at points of entry, alerting isolation facilities across states, stocking infection-prevention and control supplies, and ensuring laboratories remain on standby for rapid testing.
Dr. Idris called on state governments to support surveillance officers, maintain functional isolation centers, and allocate resources for swift response. He further reminded healthcare workers especially those in private facilities of the need to maintain a high index of suspicion, enforce infection-control protocols, and promptly report unusual cases through official surveillance channels.
The agency also issued an advisory on Ebola virus disease, encouraging Nigerians to practice good hygiene, avoid unsafe contact with sick persons or animals, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop, especially after international travel.
Dr. Idris stressed that the vigilance of one patient and the quick action of health workers can safeguard millions, reaffirming the NCDC’s commitment to early detection, rapid response, and collaboration to protect the nation’s health.
