The World Health Organisation Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, has urged countries in the region to sustain a high level of preparedness following Nigeria’s first reported case of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The WHO boss made the call in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, following confirmation of the case by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“Contact tracing is ongoing. WHO and partners are working with the governments of Nigeria, Kenya and the DRC to strengthen the overall outbreak response,” Tedros said.
He added that countries in the region needed to maintain heightened vigilance to detect cases early, prevent further transmission and protect healthcare workers and communities.
“WHO urges all countries in the region to sustain a high level of readiness, which is essential to detect cases early, prevent onward transmission and protect health workers and communities,” he said.
PUNCH Online had reported that the Federal Government on Tuesday confirmed Nigeria’s first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory after a woman who recently travelled from Uganda tested positive for the infection.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said the patient is in isolation and receiving medical care, while health authorities intensify efforts to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.
He added that 44 contacts had been identified for monitoring, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people who might have travelled with the patient.
The Federal Government also called for calm, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information and follow public health guidance as surveillance measures were strengthened.
It advised Nigerians to practise good hand hygiene, familiarise themselves with the symptoms of Ebola and seek guidance from public health authorities if they suspected exposure.
The government added that it was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other relevant health authorities to protect public health and strengthen surveillance following the confirmation of the case in the FCT.
