Returnee Suspects Test Negative for Ebola, Marburg Viruses, Says NCDC 

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that two recent suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja have both tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses. 

Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe, often deadly disease caused by the Ebola virus, with a fatality rate of 25-90 per cent 

Following a public health alert raised by doctors at the NISA Premier Hospital in Abuja on Thursday, NCDC was immediately contracted and response activated which led to the conduct of tests and evaluation of its result.

Based on the outcome of the test carried out on the two index cases, NCDC issued a statement declaring them negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses.

A statement signed by the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris said: “We wish to inform the public that two recent suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Abuja both tested negative for Ebola and Marburg viruses. 

“We are currently testing samples for other viral hemorrhagic fevers like Lassa Fever and Dengue fever. 

“The most recent case involved a traveller who, after returning to Nigeria from Kigali, responsibly presented himself immediately to a hospital in Abuja when he felt unwell. 

“His decision to report early, combined with the vigilance of the attending clinician and hospital team, ensured that our public health system was promptly activated and that the risk to the public was minimised. 

“This responsible action is highly commendable and a good practice all Nigerians are urged to emulate; when you feel unwell, especially after travel, seek care early. Doing so protects you, your family, and your community.”

NCDC commended the clinicians and staff at the NISA Premier Hospital, Abuja, whose high index of suspicion and immediate reporting triggered a rapid, coordinated response. 

The Centre also praised the role played by the FCT Epidemiology and Rapid Response Teams, the Port Health Services, the National Reference Laboratory, airline and immigration partners, and other stakeholders, “whose swift collaboration with NCDC demonstrates the strength of Nigeria’s preparedness system.”

As part of response strategies, NCDC said it is currently collating and analysing all the relevant data and information to improve our response.

In addition, the Centre said it has already conducted a Dynamic Risk Assessment following recent reports of Ebola viral disease in other countries, and anticipatory measures are being implemented nationwide. 

“We have activated multidisciplinary collaboration with federal and state health authorities, strengthening surveillance at points of entry, placed isolation/treatment facilities on alert, and prepositioning critical infection-prevention and related case management supplies,” it said.