EBOLA SCARE IN ABUJA! UGANDA RETURNEE IMPORTS BUNDIBUGYO STRAIN, STAYS IN PRIVATE HOSPITAL FOR DAYS BEFORE DETECTION

GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–“A woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda has imported the Bundibugyo strain of ebolavirus into the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, after spending several days in a private hospital before her status was confirmed.”

FCT On Alert As FG Confirms Case, Activates Emergency Response

MINISTER’S DISCLOSURE:
“Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, saying laboratory tests confirmed the case on October 20.”

WHAT HAPPENED:
“According to Pate, the patient flew in from Uganda, fell ill in Abuja and sought care at a private hospital where she was managed for days before health workers suspected Ebola and triggered laboratory testing.”

CURRENT STATUS:
“She has now been moved into isolation where she is receiving treatment, while the hospital has been placed under infection prevention and control support.”

FG’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE:
“Pate said the incident, though contained, has activated a full emergency response, with public health teams now tracking everyone who may have had contact with the patient.”

So far, 44 close contacts have been identified, including doctors, nurses, other patients, caregivers and fellow passengers on her flight.

The minister said the case highlights how easily the virus crosses borders through international travel, with a single imported case capable of sparking an outbreak if not detected early.

He warned health facilities across the country to raise their alert level, isolate any suspected case immediately and report without delay.

He explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood and body fluids of a sick or dead person and through contaminated materials, with symptoms including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Nigerians who may have been exposed have been advised to report to health authorities even if they feel well, and to avoid self-presenting at hospitals if symptoms appear, but to call for guidance first.

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Pate cautioned against panic, rumours and stigmatisation, urging citizens to rely on official information. He recalled Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 and said the country has the systems to handle the current threat, but needs public cooperation.

The Federal Government said updates will be provided through the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The NCDC toll-free line 6232 is available 24 hours for reports and enquiries.