The Director General Health services at the Ministry of health Prof. Charles Olaro, has called for calm and vigilance amongst citizens, following reports of a confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria involving a Nigerian woman who travelled to Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for business.
In a statement dated October 20th, Prof Olaro noted that the location of exposure remains under investigation, since preliminary information indicates that the woman transited through Uganda in early October without symptoms and developed symptoms after arriving in Nigeria.
“Travel through Uganda does not establish that infection occurred here” he said.
Prof Olaro further revealed, that the Nigerian Government was yet to provide detailed information on her travel itinerary and clinical history which will guide further investigations and any necessary contact tracing.
“We wish to clarify that, as at the time of this statement, Uganda has NO confirmed active Ebola cases” he said.
He added, “Additionally, limited provisions had been maintained for humanitarian and diplomatic movement. The Ministry, working with relevant agencies, will further strengthen screening and public health controls at points of entry”.
Prof Olaro urged the public to remain calm, vigilant and to practice regular handwashing and sanitising.
“The Ministry will continue to share verified updates through its official channels” he said.
Prof Olaro’s remarks followed the Nigerian government conforming one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Nigerian officials said the woman who is currently in isolation and receiving medical care recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
“The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread” the statement read.
Nigerian officials further revealed that contact tracing had commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.
“Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures” the statement read.
